PARKERSBURG - Newlyweds are becoming more and more susceptible to identity theft, according to a report from an insurance conglomerate.

Identity theft is a crime that affects an estimated 9 million Americans each year, according to the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies.

Those planning on getting married have come under increased danger of having their personal information stolen.

From the time a couple starts planning a wedding until well after they return from the honeymoon, they put a lot of personal information at risk. Gift registries, bridal expos and processing name and account changes are just some of the ways they open themselves to identity theft.

"Couples who are getting married have many details to consider as their happy day arrives, so it's easy to overlook the increased exposure to identity theft," said Maria Fernandes, client services manager for Chubb Personal Insurance. "With the busy wedding season upon us, couples need to remain vigilant and keep a tight rein on their identities."

October is now the most popular month for weddings, supplanting June, according to a survey by The Wedding Report.

Companies, like the Chudd Group, are offering identity check-up as well as identity theft counseling on local marriage license requirements, including documentation, and counseling couples on preventing marriage license and other confidential information from becoming public record. They also provide services in name change assistance for brides helping them through changes with Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, driver's licenses, passports and financial accounts; as well as assistance on changing single accounts to joint accounts and changing beneficiaries.

Locally, wedding planners and others have not reported many problems with those planning to get married.

Marcia Stewart, wedding coordinator with Ash-Hanson Flowers and Wedding Invitations in Marietta, said she has not heard of any problems from the brides she has worked with in the past. She recommends not giving a Social Security number to anyone and being extra careful with credit card numbers and information.

Mary K. Barnette, assistant vice president of Community Bank in Parkersburg, said they are recommending the same steps they would to anyone looking to protect their identity.

''Protection begins with being alert and careful as to where and how your personal information is disclosed or displayed,'' she said. ''The better you keep your personal information protected, the less likely you are to become a victim of identify theft.''

For those getting married, the Chudd Group recommends not placing one's Social Security number on a marriage license, which will become part of the public record; create a new "free" e-mail account to use for marriage/honeymoon planning and marriage services; be careful with the information provided to wedding planning and social networking/personal wedding sites; track and monitor credit card expenses; and prepare a living will and consult a lawyer, accountant and financial planner on important matters.

Barnette also recommends people do not give their personal or financial information over the phone or to anyone unless there is a legitimate need; people should not carry their Social Security card with them; they need to memorize their social security number; and people need to pick up their checks from the bank and not have them delivered to their homes.

She is also telling people not to keep PIN numbers anywhere in their wallet or purse; shred all trash that contains personal information; review financial reports carefully and look for any suspicious transactions; take outgoing mail to the post office; and people should keep photocopies of their driver's license and credit cards.

''Therefore, if your wallet is stolen, you can easily and instantly contact the necessary credit card companies,'' Barnette said.

Staff Writer Wayne Towner contributed to this story.