Jim and I watched Family Guy last night, and it was the episode where James Woods seeks revenge on Peter by stealing his identity. Peter loses his wallet, and because James Woods has Peter’s social security card, drivers license, and the deed to his house, he’s able to move right in to Peter’s house. Absurd, of course, but funny. (Peter later gets revenge on James Woods by stealing HIS identity and going on David Letterman to promote a comedy about 9/11.)

Identity theft is a real, and growing concern. I, like most of my neighbors and friends, get 10 credit card offers a week in the mail. How easy would it be for someone to take my mail and get credit cards in MY name for their use? Too easy! You can see why identify theft has topped the Federal Trade Commission’s complaint list for the SEVENTH year in a row. 36% of all complaints received by the FTC in 2006 were about identity theft.

Lifelock is hoping to change those numbers by creating fraud alerts for their customers and removing your name from junk mail and credit card lists like the one I mentioned above. As a Lifelock customer, you receive free, regular credit reports so you can stay on top of changes to your account, too!

James Woods may never steal your wallet, but wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry?