By the time you finish reading this story, another 100 American identities will be stolen.

Protect your identity. Follow these top 10 tips from LoudSiren.com, a member of the Identity Protection Network and the Federal Trade Commission:

1. Shred documents with personal information before you discard them.
2. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or give out your number unless absolutely necessary.
3. Don’t give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you know and trust whom you are dealing with.
4. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.
5. Inspect your credit report regularly.  
6. Monitor your monthly statements for charges you didn’t make.
7. Check with the company if you get a surprise bill or if you were denied credit for no apparent reason.
8. If you suspect identity theft, place a “fraud alert” on your credit reports.
9. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened falsely.
10. If your identity is stolen, file a police report because creditors may want proof of the crime.