Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States.

"Times I think have changed, I think probably because of greed, people want money, and I think they'll go to any lengths to get the money they want."

For Maryann Darby, her criminals followed her postman.

Her personal checks were stolen right out from her mailbox.

"It was like a nightmare, it really was," said Darby.

But her experience isn't unique; last year alone 570 people living in Montgomery filed complaints of identity theft.

"The number one cause we see of identity theft is when they get those checks stolen out of their mailbox," said Judy Chumley, of Aliant Bank.

Experts believe the reason why this crime is growing so much is because it's easy.

"They can sit at home at a computer in their undershirt smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer and rob you blind without ever using a weapon, without you ever seeing them. The chances of getting caught are much less, the punishment is less significant, and the take can be much greater,” said Montgomery District Attorney Ellen Brooks.

So how do you protect yourself from identity theft happening to you?

"Experts say to take extra credit cards and your social security card out of your wallet. Have checks mailed to post office boxes, instead of your house."

Also, be weary of purchasing things online, only buy from a reputable company, and never answer questions about your financial status over the phone.

For Ms. Darby, she's learned an even greater lesson.

"I don't, I’m very cautious about everything, because it can happen and it happened so quickly," said Darby.