Credit reporting agencies developing monitoring services for consumers.

Byline: Peralte C. Paul

Sep. 1--With identity theft among the fastest-growing white-collar crimes in the country, the three main credit reporting agencies -- TransUnion, Experian and Atlanta-based Equifax -- have developed monitoring services to help consumers keep track of activity on their individual credit reports.

The sales pitch: If you're able to monitor your reports on a regular basis, you stand a better chance of catching signs of identity theft and minimizing the damage a crook can do when using your Social Security number and name to obtain credit cards, car loans, or electric or water service.

The monitoring services aren't free. But…