By Robert A. Vandenbergh

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. That is an alarming number of victims.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, to commit fraud. Armed with your personal information, thieves can open new credit card accounts, get a job, rent a house, get medical services, file a fraudulent tax return or take o ...