Edmondson, joined by representatives from consumer advocate groups and law enforcement agencies, spoke during a ceremony at the state Capitol marking the state's fifth annual Consumer Protection Day.

"Identity theft, particularly in these difficult economic times, continues to be a severe problem," he said.

Edmondson said that in 2007, the Federal Trade Commission received 2,312 complaints of identification theft in Oklahoma in 2007. Nationally, there were 258,427 such complaints filed.

"You can be assured there are more than that," he said.

But he added he's certain that cases of fraud and ID theft in Oklahoma have been prevented because people are more aware of the potential for those crimes and are taking precautions.

He urged people not to:

— Provide financial information online unless using a secure Web site.

— Give financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call to a reputable business.

— Store a Social Security card or other unnecessary credit cards in a wallet or purse.

Edmondson said people should contact authorities and close accounts if it is suspected personal information might have been stolen.

The AARP joined Edmondson's office in sponsoring the pro-consumer activities. AARP Oklahoma State President Marjorie Lyons said she was encouraged that the state Legislature passed a security breach law last year.

The law, which took affect in November, requires any entity storing personal information to notify consumers or customers about a security breach by written notice, electronic notice or substitute notice.

"It is important for consumers to be armed with the latest information in fighting frauds and scams," Lyons said.

Shred-it, a company that specializes in document destruction services, had shredders located by the south steps of the Capitol. It was the fourth year that the company has offered free document shredding at the consumer protection event.

Tommy Cunningham, a sales representative for the company, said that 17 percent of personal security breaches are because of paper-based transactions.

"It is the easiest form by which to obtain personal information," he said.

"Identity thieves are not bank robbers. These people are very smart and they have another thing on their side — time. They can keep your information as long as they want."

Also at the ceremony, Judith Rice, a consumer lawyer at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, received the second annual Brad Edwards Consumer Champion Award. The award is named for the late reporter at Oklahoma City television station KFOR who was known for his "In Your Corner" segment.

By MURRAY EVANS Associated Press Writer