Two New Jersey residents were shocked to learn they were victims of identity theft, but officials say it is not uncommon. The News 12 New Jersey I-Team investigated an online black market where personal information is for sale. Thieves can get the information from a number of sources, including a database from a stolen laptop, a waiter who may write down a customer?s credit card number or someone digging through your trash. Todd Davis is the CEO of LifeLock, a company that protects people from identity theft. He suggests ripping up bank and credit card statements. He also says consumers should check their credit report at least once a year and place fraud alerts with three or more credit bureaus. The FBI?s cyber crimes unit is responsible for stopping ID theft rings, but agents say it's not easy to do considering the anonymity in cyberspace. Only one in every 700 identity thieves is ever caught.

Related Information:I-Team Investigates For free annual credit report: Annual Credit Report

The Three Major Credit Bureaus: Experian TransUnion Equifax All three bureaus will allow you to place fraud alerts on your account for free, but they have to be renewed every 90 days. The credit bureaus offer additional credit monitoring services at an additional price.

Private Companies Offering ID Theft Protection Services: Life Lock Card Cops TrustedID Debix For a fee, several private companies, will handle placing fraud alerts and monitoring your credit reports for you. Here are just a few of them. News 12 New Jersey does not endorse any particular service, and we are providing this information strictly as a public service: For More Information about Identity Theft: Federal Trade Commission U.S. Justice Department Privacy Rights Clearinghouse