Identity Theft 1

I am not rating the Better Business bureau but how horrible identity theft can be. As far as our family knows, we are not the victims Of identity theft.{so far} However it is a very scary thought for me and my family. It seems like it is so easy for some creep to steal an identity.We hear the horror stories like everyone one else. we try to be careful. watch our mailbox{ but how can you every minute?] send mail out in those blue mailboxes instead of our own mailbox, try to be careful when we shop online only using protected companies. I wonder if we are supposed to shred bank statements as soon as we get them? we do shred some stuff. How soon can one find out that they have been victims? I have heard that by the time a victim finds out their identity was stolen it could be months and thousands of dollars later. I really hate to be paranoid but I even worried after we had a repairman recently come in for phone and internet trouble we were having. he seemed fine and probably was but the work he had to do was in the room that had our file cabinets and no they are not all locked. days later I could not find some important documents containing personal information. it was not in the spot I left it in the file cabinet. { this was the first time i noticed they were gone} I am still looking. I hate to point fingers. maybe those documents will show up. Cannot help but think of the thought of Identity theft. the guy was in the room for short amount of time. and I was there part of the time. I really do not even want to think of the possibility of a repairman coming into my home and doing this but I have read about this happening. I do not want to make accusations yet. maybe those lost papers will show up somewhere in the house. HAS ANYONE ON RATEITALL BEEN A IDENTITY THEFT VICTIM? I do not want to imply that all repairmen are out to steal personal info. while in your home. I know most would not.and maybe this guy did nothing,but i cannot help but be worried. As I said as far as our family knows, we are not victims Yet. it sure is scary even hearing the news and the nightmares others have been through. I try and be careful but is is enough. has anyone signed up for those protection plans? do they help? I am thinking about signing up for one for my family.hope this review does not look too corny, just me, worrywart Molfan...