Internet identity theft cases run in the MILLIONS. Each year, the number of identity theft victims rises. The Internet has made access to all sorts of information easier, making the 'job' of identity thieves less difficult. People who've experienced Internet identity theft often spend years and thousands of dollars cleaning up the mess that identity thieves made on their good name and credit records.

Armed with your personal information, an Internet thief can open new credit lines and bank accounts, get a mortgage, secure a driver's license and even buy a car. How do these people get away with Internet identity theft? All bills and statements from the transactions the thieves entered into are sent to the thief's temporary address so you remain clueless that you've become a victim of Internet identity theft till the last minute.

You'll be surprised how easy it is to get hold of your personal details. Here are some ways how thieves commit Internet identity theft.

Internet identity theft scam #1. Hacking into records databases online.

Internet identity theft scam #2. Hacking your computer and checking out the sites you have visited. In this example, even if you did transact online with a legitimate company, most advanced criminals can find out what data you have provided to those companies.

Internet identity theft scam #3. EMAIL! Identity thieves can pose as legit companies and send you email offering a really good discount for something. And when you are lured into the website and buy that product (by providing your credit card info of course), you will probably not hear from that 'company' again... but they already have all your personal and banking details.

While there's no foolproof way to avoid Internet identity theft, you can do a lot to reduce the risks associated with it. Vigilance can go a long way towards protecting yourself against Internet identity theft. Monitor your monthly billing and bank statements for any sudden changes. And perhaps most of all - be extremely careful and choosy when you provide your personal and financial details online.