JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - They say it is a growing problem affecting people not only in Eastern Kentucky but across the nation. People are falling victim to identity theft, and officials say there are many ways people can get scammed.

Officials say it only takes a matter of seconds for someone to steal your identity.

"People can come by and just grab it and create another you," said Officer Bill Holbrook.

They say identity theft is growing rapidly for many reasons.

"A lot of times somebody could be just standing over your shoulder writing down your information," said Johnson County Sheriff's Deputy Tim Clark.

Johnson County Sheriff Dwayne Price says sometimes it could be a friend or relative stealing your identity. "A lot of that is they'll get their parents' or their grandparents' personal information and use that personal information to maybe open up a credit card," he said.

Officials say online shopping and social networking are also easy ways for identity thieves to get a hold of your personal information, so they say be careful what you put online.

"First thing they get your full name, maybe they find out where you went to school. If you post your date of birth on a social network then that gives them another step," said Clark.

They say there are easy ways to protect yourself and your bank accounts.

"See if you got any charges on there that you don't recognize. When you do, call up your credit card or your bank and let them know immediately," said Clark.

They say keeping an eye on who has access to your personal information could save you a lot of trouble and a lot of money.

"It needs to be a constant thing for the citizens to be aware of. It's just going to get worse," said Holbrook.

Officials say if you think you have been a victim of identity theft, contact law enforcement right away.