We told you earlier this week about the rash of credit and debit thefts in Walker County.

The number of victims is growing.Now over 150 people have reported fraudulent charges on their bank accounts.

But what happens after you discover someone is stealing your identity and your money?

Over eight million people each year fall victim to identity theft. Three million fewer than 2009. But that doesn't mean your safe.

Bill Plitt knows first hand what it feels like to be a victim of identity theft. He and many others in and around Walker County are dealing with the aftermath of having their identities stolen.

"It's just like your house being broken into. I felt very violated that someone had been into my personal affects," says Plitt.

"The worst problem about it is people are very angry, but they don't have anyone to be angry at because they don't know who did it," says Glenn Duhon, with First Victoria bank in Bryan. He knows it's about being aware.

"It is important for people to notify their banks as soon as possible," stresses Duhon.

Banks will work with customers on getting their money back, but there are limits. The longer you wait, the more money you can't get back. If you catch it early, you limit the amount lost.

If you don't notice someone using your account and money without your permission after a month, you might not get any of that money back.

The average out of pocket expense for victims doubled from 2009 to 2010 totalling $687. The easiest way to prevent losing money is to watch your money.

"Monitor your bank account," says Duhon. Daily. Most banks have online banking options. Mobile banking is another service banks will offer.

"If you see anything on your account that doesn't look like you did it, question it immediately," says Duhon.

Proving only person who can truly prevent identity theft is you.

Here are some tips in helping to prevent yourself from being a victim of identity theft:

* Do not carry your extra credit cards, Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport in your wallet or purse except when necessary. This practice minimizes the amount of information a thief can steal. Photocopy everything in your wallet so if it is stolen you know exactly who to call.
* Do not click on links in any emails you receive from financial institutions - even if you're 100% sure they're legitimate. Instead, go to your browser and type in the domain name of the institution (e.g. www.wellsfargo.com or www.paypal.com) and then login to your account. Some emails you receive about your financial accounts are actually fake and are called "phishing" emails.
* Make sure your computer is set to automatically download the latest patches and fixes. Any computer operating systems will have security holes. You will want to install a new fix once they are discovered and patched. Both Microsoft Windows and Mac have an easy method for doing this.
* Install virus and spyware detection software and keep them updated.
* Install a lockable mailbox at your residence to reduce mail theft.
* Take credit card receipts with you. Never toss them in a public trash container.
* Never leave your purse or wallet unattended at work or in church, restaurants, health fitness clubs, parties, or shopping carts. Never leave your purse or wallet in open view in your car, even when your car is locked.
* Destroy all checks immediately after you close a checking account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any courtesy checks that your bank or credit card company sends to you.
* Do not have your bank send your new checks to your home address. Tell the bank that you prefer to pick them up.
* Reconcile your check and credit card statements in a timely fashion, and challenge any purchases you did not make.
* Limit the number of credit cards you have, and cancel any inactive accounts.
* Never give any credit card, bank, or Social Security information to anyone by telephone, even if you made the call, unless you can positively verify that the call is legitimate.
* Minimize exposure of your Social Security and credit card numbers. If the numbers are requested for check-cashing purposes, ask if the business has alternative options such as a check-cashing card.
* Do not allow your financial institution to print your Social Security number on your personal checks.
* Safeguard your credit, debit, and ATM card receipts. Shred them before discarding.
* Scrutinize your utility and subscription bills to make sure the charges are yours.
* Memorize your passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) so you do not have to write them down. Be aware of your surroundings to make sure no one is watching you input your PIN.
* Keep a list of all your credit accounts and bank accounts in a secure place so you can quickly call the issuers to inform them about missing or stolen cards. Include account numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers of customer service and fraud departments.
* Do not toss pre-approved credit offers in your trash or recycling bin without first shredding them. Dumpster divers use these offers to order credit cards in your name and mail them to their address. Always do the same with other sensitive information like credit card receipts, phone bills, and such.
* If you don't receive your billing statement, notify the company immediately.