[header] How to protect your identity [title] Sign up for only a few credit cards so that it is easy to monitor them, and never just destroy a card you don't plan on using again. [step] Make sure you actually close out the account. [title] Make sure that all online purchases are made through a reputable site that is safe and secure if you want to protect your personal finances. 
[step] Such sites will post trust-e symbol on their pages. All secure sites have urls that begin with " [https " https "] and have a privacy policy.