Feb 22, 2007 4:38 pm US/Eastern
Pennsylvania Law Helps Keep ID Thieves On Ice
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Even if you're careful to shred documents with your personal data, you could still fall prey to identity thieves; but a new state law may put the freeze on these criminals before they can access your accounts.
With recent security breaches, hackers have been gaining access to customers' private account information.
But Pennsylvanians have a new weapon that could keep identity thieves at bay.
The state's Credit Reporting Agency Law, which went into effect at the beginning of the year, lets consumers "freeze" or block access to their credit reports by contacting one of the three credit bureaus.
Contacting The Credit Bureaus
Equifax
1-800-685-1111
Experian
1-800-290-5195
Transunion
1-888-909-8872
When a freeze is in effect, credit bureaus aren't allowed to release this information without your permission -- essentially keeping these criminals from opening a new account in your name.
There is a downside to putting a freeze on your credit: you'll need to plan ahead if you're planning to apply for new credit, refinance your home or buy a new car.
Consumers can, however, "thaw" a credit freeze – either temporarily or permanently. In addition to removing the credit freeze for a specified time, they can also inform the credit bureaus to release their credit history to a specific company.
While the temporary thaw can cost $10, there is no fee to permanently remove the freeze on their account.
Fair Credit Reporting Act Preventing Identity Theft Equifax.com
Equifax State Security Freeze Requirements & Fees How To Avoid Identity Theft (Pennsylvania Office Of Attorney General)
More from State Attorney General
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