Any Americans afraid of Identity theft while they are gone?

I'm wondering if anyone is afraid of identity theft while you are not living in America, and if so, do you know of anything you can do to prevent it?

Thanks:)

A copy of this article on how to *freeze* your credit reports has been hanging in my work breakroom since last year but I didn't really think about it till recently. It only affects a few states right now, but has the potential for more. I am considering doing this since I won't be needing to apply for US credit for a while. Not entirely sure but considering.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/general/2005-06-19-credit-cover-usat_x.htm

very interesting...and something that i didn't know was available.  i'm debating on whether i will do it or not though....

I would love to freeze my credit report.  Seeing as I have good credit in the US and would hate for that to be compromised...however, my state isn't one of the few. 

To answer the OP.  I am sort of worried...but not more so than I would be if I lived in the US.  I check my online bank account and credit cards at least once a month to make sure nothing strange has happened.  I also pay for yearly credit reports...which thankfully this post has reminded me it's time to do that again.  I thought about signing up for a service that watches it, but still haven't made any decisions on that one yet. 

thanks for the article courtney.

first time I left the country... i closed all my unnecessary cards... not realizing at the time it would have a negative effect on my credit score! I am now a friend of Suzie Orman and I realize the error of my ways. 

this time, I haven't done anything other than tell my credit card company that I am overseas and will be using it here. but that doesn't do a whole lot when they try to open other accounts with other companies.

That's a great option to freeze your credit. My friend just got identity "thefted" and she suspects while she was applying to graduate schools.

BTW, all states by now I believe can request free annual credit reports from each company. Suzie taught me that 

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm

You still have to pay for a score, but it is nice just to see what is open in your name.