Early detection of suspicious activity and errors in your credit report and or your personal accounts
i.e. bank statements, stock statements and online acitovoty is essential to minimizing both the damage incurred by identity thieves and the time needed to rectify any issues. 

Monitor your credit report and personal accounts. Monitoring can be done personaly through one of the major reporting agencies and or statements sent to you home for certain signs of erroreous activity.

Should your account be in error, or if a new account opens in your name. Contact the creditor so you`ll be able to assess the change and quickly take any necessary steps to re-secure your credit.