SHOPPERS WARNED ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT.

Byline: Daily News

SANTA CLARITA -- With hopes of curbing holiday crime, Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's officials issued a warning to shoppers: protect your identity.

Studies say about 10 million people fall victim to identity theft every year, and there is no better time for these thieves to target their victims than during the holidays.

The Sheriff's Department warned shoppers that identity-theft teams might distract someone, steal their purse or bag, and then quickly use the credit cards before they are reported stolen.

The best way to prevent identity theft is to protect your credit cards, card number and personal identification number.

You should always making sure you get your credit card back after making a purchase and avoid keeping your complete account number on your receipts, according to deputies' list of guidelines.

Internet shoppers should be especially wary when making Web purchases. A new trend called Internet ``phishing'' involves thieves who steal buyers' identities by gaining their personal information.

Not replying to these types of requests is recommended and limiting online purchases to one credit card for better record keeping also is suggested.

If your identity is stolen, collect all your documents, immediately notify financial institutions with whom you do business and report it to sheriff's deputies.