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The threat of having your identity stolen grows each year. As a result, the problem receives constant media attention. Consumers are becoming more aware of the hazards of being lax with their personal information. Ironically, millions of people continue to inadvertently throw open the doors to their financial lives. They don't take steps to erect safeguards against would-be thieves. So, let's correct that problem. Below, we'll give you 6 simple measures that you can take (starting today) to prevent becoming a victim to ID theft and keep your free annual credit report secure.

#1 - Keep Car-Related Information Secure

Identity thieves are savvy. They can use documents such as vehicle registration forms and insurance papers to pry the door open to your credit. Keep these papers in a secure place. If you keep them in your car, you need to lock your car.

#2 - Stop Receiving Snail Mail Statements

The criminals who want to steal your identity love pilfering mailboxes. It's easy to do and allows them to get their hands on your bank and credit card statements. Call your bank and card companies (department stores, too) and request that they stop sending statements to you in the mail. Instead, pay your bills and review your accounts online.

#3 - Leave Your SSN At Home

Even though the Social Security Administration tells people to never carry their social security card in their wallet, many do so. Identity thieves pick pockets and purses. If they gain access to your social security number, they can unleash a trail of credit carnage that can take months from which to recover. Keep your card at home in a safe place.

#4 - Limit Data In Your Cell Phone

Millions of people spend hours on their cell phones every day. It's how they manage a large part of their lives. So, it seems natural to put sensitive information (credit card numbers, passwords to bank websites, etc.) on their phones for easy access. Don't do it. Thieves who want to swipe your identity consider cell phones a treasure trove of confidential information.

#5 - Your Computer Is Not A Safe Deposit Box

Don't store personal information on your computer's hard drive. Millions of people put their credit card numbers, bank information and even tax return documents on their hard drive. That information is vulnerable to viruses downloaded from the internet. Some thieves use computer viruses to gain remote access to people's computers.

#6 - Never Email Your Information

Email is supposed to be a private channel of communication. Unfortunately, identity thieves use email to trick consumers into providing confidential information. Millions of people have been duped into offering their usernames and passwords to strangers through email. Never send sensitive data in email.

When It's Too Much To Handle On Your Own

The harder you make it for thieves to steal your identity, the less likely you'll become a victim of identity theft. That said, there are dozens of measures you should be taking regularly to prevent your ID from being stolen. You should be watching your statements for irregular activity, analyzing your credit report, approaching junk mail warily, establishing fraud alerts with the major credit agencies and many other things.

For some people, taking these measures can be a grueling chore. Their free time is better spent with their families. Identity theft protection services (i.e. companies such as LifeLock and IdentityTruth) offer to take care of the "heavy lifting" for you. They'll help ensure that your finances and credit are secure from thieves. Remember, ID theft prevention is about watching the small details. If you don't want to spend the time doing it on your own, there are dependable services that will take care of it for you. The key is making sure somebody is locking the door to your identity and your credit.

Nick is a blogger over at free annual credit report where he writes about credit reports, fico scores and other credit related issues. To get your free annual credit report, credit scores, credit report, free credit scores, business credit reports, head on over to FreeAnnualCreditReports.org. Additionally, for identity theft protection services and reviews on LifeLock and Identity Truth, visit IdentityTheftProtect.us