Ed. Note: The following is a news release provided by the city of Santa Clarita.

The city of Santa Clarita has released tips to help its citizens prevent identity theft.

Take the time to protect accounts and assets. Identity theft can cost time and money and potentially ruin one’s credit and good name.

Remember these “three D’s” to identity theft protection:

1. Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
2. Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial account and billing statements.
3. Defend against identity theft as soon as you suspect it may be happening.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation details some things people can do in order to stay on top of protecting one’s identity.

First, don’t carry your social security number on any important documents in your purse or wallet; change your driver’s license or any other personal documents to different numbers, in case you are robbed.

Next, lock your mailbox and be sure to stop mail when you’re out of town for more than a few days. Shred your trash with a cross cut shredder.

Be careful what you say about yourself in public, especially when you’re on your cell phone, as thieves can use this information.

Finally, you can protect your computer with a fire-wall, anti-virus software, or a program that removes spyware, to help prevent potential hacks or “phishing” attempts.

If you have any information on a potential threat to identity security, you can leave a tip with the FBI on their website.