Identity thieves use deceptive e-mail messages to fool you into giving them personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card numbers. You may get an official-looking message warning that your account will be closed or asking you to update your account information. Most businesses do not ask for personal information via e-mail. If there's a link in the message, place your mouse over it but don't click. If you see a string of numbers or a different Web address, the message is probably a fake.

For more information on identity theft, go to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Be sure to take their Identity Theft Test!