You Asked, We Answered: An Identity Theft Expert Tells All

May 2, 2008— -- We submitted some of your questions to Dan Clements, an identity theft expert and founder of CardCops.com, a division of the Affinion Group. He was one of the pioneers in finding compromised data in cyberspace and figuring out how to return it to consumers and banks in real time. He has designed "stings" to capture data and intelligence, which have also provided behavior on hackers. He is frequently quoted in national and global news outlets, and he lends his expertise to law enforcement.

We have also submitted some of your questions to a U.S. Secret Service agent and will post those answers later this week on ABCNEWS.com.

Rob from Erie, Pa., asked: "How do I know if I am a target for identity theft????"

Clements answered: You really don't know until it's confirmed with some type of action. But you can look for signs, like your accounts getting hit with $1 charges. Thieves sometimes use donation sites like the Red Cross to validate a card or debit account.

Annie from Redondo Beach, Calif., asked: "Every credit card company tries to sell you fraud protection at approx. $8 per month. Is it worth the money?"

Clements answered: If it's a service from the credit bureaus, it is worth it because you can see "inquiries" and newly opened accounts in your name. If you don't recognize what's on your credit files, you should investigate. Other services can tell you pre-emptively that your personal information may have been breached.

Dave from Bakersville, N.C., asked: "Sir; just how do you protect yourself from ID theft? I use equifax to help guard me, is that good enough?"

Clements answered: Always watch your online accounts like a hawk. A simple $1 charge could be the thieves' pinging your account for validity. Get a new credit card number on its anniversary, re-PIN any debits cards every six months, and pick up a shredder.

Shirley from Brooklyn, N.Y., asked: "My home computer has been infected with a virus called "Spyware or Spywave." From what I understand it is like someone is watching me. Have hackers find a way to look into all the websites I have visited with my info (such American Express, Fidelity investments, and online purchases). I have subscribed to all three credit bureaus for quarterly reports and paid extra on some of my credit cards for fraud. What more could I do to protect myself?"