I happen to believe that most identity thefts are a matter of choice, by the victim, and not just some random criminal act. One thing we've learned about this crime spree is that most identity thefts can be thwarted by choices made by consumers, and that most consumers make poor or no choices.

Part of the problem is the wealth of inaccurate advice being offered. It seems like every web site offers the same advice on identity theft - follow these ten simple tips, from checking your credit report annually to protecting your mail - yet if identity theft could be defeated by just a handful of well-known security precautions then why is it still a global epidemic?

If you're really serious about aoviding identity theft you have to take a more hands-on approach, and just like your health you need to think about it more than once a year, or just when something goes wrong. I'm a big advocate for personal security planning, which I'll talk more about later. But at its most fundamental it means (1) taking the time to learn a little more about identity theft than you already do, (2) creating a checklist of good security choices that you refer to constantly, and (3) creating a response plan so that if you do fall victim, recovery will be much quicker and far less painful.

Or you could continue to cross your fingers until cramp sets in. It's your choice.