Identity thieves are using several new methods to get your credit information, says Janet Dobrinsky [[Doe-brin-skee]] with the Comptroller’s Office of Consumer Affairs.

[audio:rddIDTheft2.mp3] [/audio]

Identity thieves are using several different methods to target Illinoisans, but Dobrinsky says it happens most frequently when people don’t shred important documents.

[audio:rddIDTheft1.mp3] [/audio]

Dobrinsky adds there are ways to protect yourself.

[audio:rddIDTheft3.mp3] [/audio]

Dobrinskysays pulling your credit report once a year is another way that will help protect you from identity thieves.

[audio:rddIDTheft4.mp3] [/audio]

Dobrinsky say Illinois is among the top ten states that identity thieves target, with 12-thousand Illinoisans becoming victims each year.  The Consumer Affairs team is helping educate people on how to protect themselves.  They’ll be hosting seminars around the state.  Admission is free.  For more details on the events or to find out how you can attend a seminar, call 1-855-IL-ASK-US or 1-855-452-7587.