With laws on identity theft still in their infancy stage, preventing identity theft largely remains in the hands of consumers. There's only so much that current identity theft legislation can do to put these identity thieves behind bars.

Preventing identity theft can be tough as thieves skilled at identity theft have numerous ways to go about their dirty work. But don't make their identity theft 'job' easier by not doing anything.

Criminals don't always need ski masks or sawn-off shotguns to make a big haul – a pre-approved credit card application they found in your trash or your social security number oftentimes could be all they need to get identity theft activities underway.

For those serious about preventing identity theft, here are some things you can do.

Preventing identity theft tip #1. Secure personal information at home by locking it in a safe or keeping it in a secret location.

Preventing identity theft tip #2. People who have bank accounts, phone services and credit cards that use their maiden name, birth date or last four digits of their social security number, should have it changed to a different number.

Preventing identity theft tip #3. Order a copy of your credit report every year and make sure you recognize everything written on it.

Preventing identity theft tip #4. Avoid carrying around your social security card.

Preventing identity theft tip #5. Tear up or shred all documents with personal information before putting them in the recycle bin or trash. "Dumpster diving" is a classic way identity theft is committed.

Preventing identity theft tip #6. Individuals planning on being away from home should request mail forwarding to where they're going. Ask for a "mail hold" service from the post office so mail won't collect on your mailbox.

Preventing identity theft tip #7. Don't give out personal details over the Internet, phone, and mail or email unless you initiated the contact or know exactly who you're dealing with.

Being extra careful with one's financial affairs helps minimize the risk of getting victimized by identity