The identity of a person is compromised by others for their own benefit. It includes getting your social security number, driver's license, and date of birth, home address, phone number and any other personal information that the thieves may benefit from. By collecting some or all of this information, the scammer uses it to commit crimes in your name. They might attempt to open a new credit card, bank account, buy a new car, get a mortgage loan all in your name without you even knowing this act is being done. Once your personal information is compromised, it's a NIGHTMARE!
How do identity thieves come to know about your identity?
There are various way to which identity thieves STEAL your identity. Some of them include, stealing your wallet which contains your driver's license, credit cards, and insurance cards. Others may rummage through trash to obtain personal information like social security numbers, bank account statements or credit card statements. Another way is stealing your mail. I personally was scammed about ten years ago by someone stealing a box of personal checks from my mailbox that I ordered through my bank. The thief stole the checks, created picture IDs of themselves using my personal information and wrote over 150 checks in my name. IT WAS A NIGHTMARE! I spent over two years trying to get my name cleared and even when I thought I finally did it, it came back to haunt me again and again. 
Now, how do you keep yourself from being scammed and fighting back?
One way is checking your credit report at least once a year. You can get a FREE credit report through https://www.annualcreditreport.com/. By checking your credit report, you can keep track of things such as unfamiliar accounts and inquires. Also, review your report to see if the balances on your credit accounts are what they should be because a scammer may trigger an establish account of yours instead of opening a new account. Another area to review on your credit report is the personal information section. In this section, you will see addresses that were reported under your name where you have resided. If you see an addresses that you are not familiar with, this could be a RED FLAG so call the credit agency for further review.
Besides reviewing your credit report annually, here are a few more tips that may help you. You must under no circumstance share your password or personal identity where ever it is not necessary. Shred all unwanted receipts, bank statements and anything that has your personal information on it. Make a copy front and back of each of your credit cards and debit cards and keep the copies in a safe place. The reason for making these copies is just in case your wallet gets stolen you have access to your account numbers and the creditor's phone numbers to call immediately to freeze the accounts.
Identity Theft is an increasing crime in the US and the proportions are very alarming so be alert, protect yourself, and always stay on top of your personal information.
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