Identity theft is a vicious anonymous crime that takes an enormous financial toll on victims. It is a stealthy, insidious crime that many times occurs without victims' knowledge until after the damage has been done. Most victims never meet the person who steals their identity. How can you protect yourself? What can you do to minimize the damage of identity theft? Is it possible to preserve your financial reputation while the crime is going on? Here are some specific things you need to do.

1. Take a deep breath. And then make a plan. You need to get ahead of the tide of accusation that is coming toward you, otherwise your life will be consumed with defensive maneuvers and reactions to inquires or demands made upon you. The following steps should help.
1. Notify all relevant institutions that your identity has been stolen, and keep a record of who you have contacted, who you spoke with, the date, and notes on the conversation. Keep a record of what they said and what next steps were identified.
2. Keep a record of when and where

The number one top fraud in the country for the past 30 years is known as the "419 Scam." This is a fraud in the genre of "Advance Fee Scams," because the fraud operator does not give anything but a promise, and the victim is asked to prove his honesty and integrity by paying the fraud operator in advance. Ironic, isn't it?

Below I have reproduced the most recent Advance Fee Scam solicitation letter I am in possession of. I am providing it here because the best way to defend yourself against fraud is to recognize fraud schemes before you become a victim.

This is an email allegedly send from a person by the name of "rose nani,' with an email address of rosenani94@yahoo.com.

Hello good day

Hope this mail will not be in anyway It can make you upset or angry.

I have your address today in my search, for trust people

Address: how are you and your family not to mention friends and work

Together? Hope you are okay.please bear with me. I really like to have a good