There are different methods for a consumer or individual to protect themselves from identity theft. Obviously some publications are available out there. You could go to any police office and look at their bulletin board and they would have pamphlets on identity theft. Nowadays, the use the of the Internet is a good way as well.
We talk about the Internet being a scary place to get your personal information stolen but it is still a very good place to obtain information. For example, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has a good website that promotes certain ways to protect an individual from identity theft or other frauds.