You would not leave the front door of your home unlocked, and your financial house needs to be secured, too. Otherwise, you could end up becoming the victim of identity theft. Fortunately, there are several tools you can use to protect your identity.

Here is some information on these helpful options:

• LifeLock: Helps to protect your identity on your computer, tablet and smartphone
• LifeLock: Helps to protect your identity on your computer, tablet and smartphone
• Identity Guard: Uses IBM’s artificial intelligence Watson to issue alerts when your personal information is found on the dark web
• Experian IdentityWorks: Monitors your Social Security number and address change requests, and alerts you in real time if there’s an inquiry on your credit report
• IdentityForce: Monitors for advanced fraud, change of address, court records, dark web activity, payday loans and more

If you enroll in one of these services and find that your identity has been stolen, you must report the identity theft to stop any further damage to your finances and credit. No matter what information is stolen, you should report all identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission, the police, all three credit bureaus and your creditors and financial institutions. Depending on the type of identity theft, you might also need to inform the Internal Revenue Service, the post office, the Department of Motor Vehicles or your medical insurance company.