Identity theft is on the rise in Alabama but by taking simple precautions, consumers can protect their credit and reduce their risks of becoming victims.

Since June, Alabama residents have been eligible to receive their annual credit report for free, thanks to a recent amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The new federal law allows consumers to request a free copy of their credit report every 12 months from each of the three national credit bureaus. Since many instances of identity theft are not immediately noticeable, officials suggest consumers monitor their credit reports regularly for any questionable activity.