This identity theft thing has to be the most frustrating thing I’ve experienced in recent years. I must say I’m quite bitter towards Countrywide’s rogue employee and the person who’s using my personal information to get credit.

Almost every day we receive either new credit cards or letters denying credit due to numerous credit inquiries under my name and social security number.

Newsflash: I’m not asking for credit!

What an annoying experience. Too bad I can’t just ignore it. I’m told that some people do just that for a time, until the debt collectors come calling.

If my credit report were a Christmas tree, it would have a couple new strands of lights on it now that weren’t on it before. It’s just amazing all the inquiries and calls and letters I keep receiving about it.

And my guess is I’m about 20% into this whole situation.

My task this week is to complete ID Theft Affidavits for the credit reporting agencies, have them notarized and reply back to the three agencies and the numerous new credit account providers. So I’ll be visiting the police department and the notary.

I’ve already got about two inches of paperwork on the matter.

If any of you think you won’t ever be a victim of identity theft, just go on whispering sweet thoughts to yourself.

I am more convinced than ever that services that lock down your identity — your social security number, driver’s license number, address, etc. — are the way to go.

I just spoke with LifeLock.com. They charge $10 a month or $110 a year to protect you. I’d say that’s money well spent.

I’ve already lost the equivalent of about three work days to resolving this situation, which, as I said, is nowhere near resolved.