Although, as the disclaimer at the end of these films say, these stories are fictitious, there is indeed cause for alarm for things like these happening to you. Identity theft is a growing problem and once you've been victimized, a whole slew of difficulties will arise from this crisis. Don't panic just yet though. You should never give your Social Security number to anyone unless they have a good reason for needing it. Watch for people who may try to eavesdrop and overhear the information you give out orally. Carefully destroy the documents that you throw out, especially those with sensitive or identifying information. In some cases, criminals reportedly have used computer technology to obtain large amounts of personal data. If you have received mailed in applications for "preapproved" credit cards, but have thrown them in the garbage can without tearing up the enclosed materials, criminals may retrieve them from the trash and activate them without your knowledge. A much simpler way of protecting yourself against identity theft through your social security number is by simply being careful when giving it away. Remember that mostly, only government agencies have the right to ask for your social security number. Don't readily give it away to prospective employers. Every educated, adult knows the concept of universal right and wrong as far as execution of freedom is concerned like the way no one kills to end someone else's life. As a unique person, freedom means having one identity you claim as yours with ultimate glory. Then one day, you discover someone is using your identity; you freak out: "something is very wrong. Every creditor and financial institution with whom you do business should receive a copy of that report along with a letter explaining that you have been the victim of identity theft. Make sure that you hold onto the original police report because you may need to make even more copies. Copies should also be sent to all three credit reporting agencies.