Before he was even in high school, Zach Friesen had bad credit. Now a 20-year-old college student at the University of Colorado, Friesen’s identity was stolen when he was just 7 years old. The thief used Friesen’s personal information to buy a $40,000 houseboat, then defaulted on the debt. Friesen didn’t discover the theft - and resulting damage to his credit - until he applied for his first job at age 17. “My story isn’t that uncommon,” says Friesen. “In fact, the largest target for identity thieves is young people, ages 18-29, according to a 2003 Federal Trade Commission study.” The following tips for protecting your identity provide a good guide for all ages: Shred all documents that contain personal financial information before throwing them away. Review your credit card and bank statements monthly. Watch for unfamiliar transactions. Do not print your Social Security Number on your checks and driver’s license. Do not send mail from an unsecured mailbox. Identity thieves often try to steal your outgoing mail. When online, never provide financial information unless you initiate the transaction. Do not respond to any e-mail that requests personal and financial information. For more information about identity theft and online safety, visit www.incredibleinternet.com.