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Did you know identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America with more than 9 million victims in 2004? For many victims, it can take a year or longer and cost thousands of dollars to get things back the way they were before their identity or credit was stolen.

As identity theft becomes more common, Nationwide Insurance is working to combat the devastating effects of this crime with an innovative insurance/restoration service called ID Theft Assist™. The program offers full-service assistance in restoring your good name, should it happen to you.

Nationwide farm coverage has built-in ID theft coverage for Farm Bureau members, which reimburses up to $15,000 with a $250 deductible. ID Theft Assist will pay up to $25,000, with no deductible, to cover expenses such as attorney fees and lost income. It provides 24/7 emergency call center access, instant access to credit reports at no charge and legal support to help restore your identity.

Farm, homeowner, tenant and condo policyholders can purchase this enhanced protection at a reduced rate for just $45 per year, which could turn out to be a valuable investment.

The best defense against identity theft is prevention. Remember these tips to protect your identity:

• Shred all documents with personal or credit card information before you discard or recycle.
• Guard your Social Security number – don’t carry your Social Security card and have the number removed from your driver’s license and insurance card.
• Protect your e-mail and computer – don’t store personal information on your hard drive or send out sensitive information via e-mail.
• Check your credit report at least once a year.
• Review all charges on your monthly credit card statements.
• Secure your mail – get a locking mailbox, take outgoing mail to a public drop-box and have the post office hold your mail when away.
• Watch for "shoulder surfing" and be aware of your surroundings when conducting transactions with a credit or debit card.
• Shop online with caution – use a reputable service with a secure site (a secure site begins with https rather than http).
• Choose passwords wisely and protect them – don’t write them down or keep them where they can be read.