WESTLAKE -- Last year, close to 10 million Americans were victims of identity theft. Generally, people who made more than $75,000 were more likely to be fraud victims. The fraud rate was highest among people 35 to 44 years old.

The president of Cleveland's Better Business Bureau, David Weiss, said one in every 23 Americans is a victim of fraud. NewsChannel5's Joy Benedict headed to Target to ask shoppers there if they had ever been a victim of identity theft. The third person she asked, said, "yes." She had her credit card number stolen and some purchases were made online in her name.

The BBB says that's the first step to protecting yourself, pay attention to your bills every month. Don't put your outgoing bills in your curb side mail box, because someone could take them. Either take your payment directly to the company, pay online, over the phone or take it to the post office for delivery.

Get your free credit report every year as well to check your credit history and make sure there is no unusual activity.

And one of the most important steps to take is shredding your financial statements. If you don't have a personal shredder you can bring up to three bags or boxes to Rad Air in Westlake, Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The BBB is sponsoring a Secure Your ID shred day to help people with the problem of identity theft. The event is free.