As if this is an important story: "Identity-theft victim meets her identity thief."

Back in January, Michelle McCambridge found herself staring into the face of the woman who stole her identity.

Only a week earlier, she learned that someone had taken out credit cards in her name and racked up thousands in charges. A federal agent had shown her a surveillance photo. But the image didn't ring a bell.

Now the woman in thick-rimmed glasses was standing there at McCambridge's women's-casual counter at J.C. Penney at Southcenter, asking to open a credit account.

McCambridge's heart lept. She excused herself and secretly got the store's security crew to train their cameras on the woman.

And in those few minutes, the 23-year-old retail clerk and college student set in motion a federal investigation that has brought down what authorities say is a prolific ring of ID thieves responsible for victimizing at least 39 people.

The only message in this article: Worry about your little money; your little property is so important to you; keep both eyes on the watch for thieves; be blind to banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions. In short, keep your eyes (focus all of your attentions) on the least of your worries.