Protecting your identity is a full-time job. Even though it seems we all have less time in our lives than ever before, everyone should make time to protect and defend against identity theft. And should you become a victim, everything else will suddenly seem much less important.

Just as you should never let your guard down while driving a car, defending against identity theft should always be at the top of your list, whether you’re using your credit card at the store or on the internet, whether you’re opening your mail at home or your email online. Because identity thieves can be anywhere, they are most likely to succeed when you relax and lower your standards safeguarding your personal and financial information.