With thousands of Americans falling victim to identity theft every year, protecting one's personal information has never been more essential. Recently, experts from Debt Burst released tips for consumers to keep their sensitive data secure.

Identity theft can happen unexpectedly, which is why it's important to quickly determine if your ID has been compromised. Debt Bursts recommends that consumers regularly review their credit reports and bank statements, and take note if they receive any bills from an unfamiliar company.

Should one notice that their information has been stolen, they should take immediate action and contact their banks and creditors. Should an individual lose a credit or debit card, it's essential to call your issuer and have that card cancelled.

Regularly changing passwords and PINs is a good way to prevent identity theft, especially if one account or card has been compromised. Consumers can also contact the Fraud Victim Assistance department at their credit card company to seek further help.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, ID thieves can use a variety of techniques online to obtain a person's information. Using a secure payment system can help protect consumers who regularly shop online..