Monitor your accounts online. Regular monitoring of all transactions can help catch fraudulent activity and reduce losses. According to the study by Javelin Strategy and Research, self detection by the victim results in 35% shorter detection times and 36% lower consumer costs. An online budgeting program, like Mvelopes Personal www.mvelopes.com, pulls all your transactions from different accounts into one program to make monitoring them simple and quick.

Choose your Web sites carefully. The Web can be a valuable tool, saving time and money as you avoid the crowds and can compare prices at multiple retailers, but you still need to exercise caution in how you shop online. Never click on links provided in emails, even if they look official. "Phishing" artists will send out emails that look like they are from reputable companies. But the links take you to imposter sites used to steal your information.

Reputable companies will never send an email asking you to enter your sensitive account or identification information. It's usually safest to stick to larger, more well-known companies, and type in the URL on your own. When using less known companies, check for the "https" beginning on a Web site instead of the regular "http" and look for the padlock icon. Icons like the VeriSign logo, or the Hacker Safe logo ensure that the site meets certain data security requirements. Also, check to see if the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program and if they are Visa CISP (Cardholder Information Security Program) compliant.

Check your credit report in January. One of the most costly methods of identity theft, and one of the most difficult to detect is a new account opened using your social security number or personal information. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three credit reporting agencies. You can obtain a copy of your report by going to www.annualcreditreport.com. By staggering the reports from each of the three agencies throughout the year, you can keep an eye on your credit throughout the year.

If you suspect any fraudulent activity, call the account provider immediately to freeze or close the account. Visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft for more information on steps to take if you suspect you are the victim of identity theft.

With a little caution this holiday season, you can rest assured that your identity will remain yours, and yours alone. And you're going to need all the rest you can get after fighting those crowds at the mall.

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