Another Weapon Against Identity Theft Comes to Illinois in 2007
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-09-06 12:17:06.867775-04:00
Illinois consumers now have another weapon in the fight against identity theft. Effective January 1, 2007, all consumers in Illinois will be able to place a security freeze on their credit report. A security freeze stops thieves from opening new credit and other accounts in your name by preventing access to your credit report, which potential creditors must review prior to issuing credit.
The security freeze will allow you to freeze access to your credit report so that only you and those you give permission to can access your personal financial information. When a freeze is in place, you can still access your information using a code similar to your long distance calling card or ATM card. Outsiders will be barred from accessing your information without your permission. The credit bureaus are allowed to charge a fee up to but no more than $10 for each placement, temporary lift and removal of a freeze. This fee might vary among the three credit bureaus. Seniors 65 and over are exempt from placement and removal fees, and victims of identity theft are exempt from all fees.
Senator John Cullerton (D) and Representative Marlow Colvin (D) sponsored the legislation at AARP's request. Current Illinois law only allows victims of identity theft to place a security freeze. The new law gives Illinois consumers the ability to protect themselves before they become a victim.
If you suspect that you are the victim of identity theft or if you want to protect yourself from becoming a victim, contact the three major credit bureaus and sign up for the security freeze. Remember, the new law does not take effect until January 1, 2007.
In order to place a security freeze, you must write to each of the credit bureaus and send your request through the mail. Be prepared to receive information from them verifying the placement of the freeze along with a code, which needs to be kept in a secure place. This code will allow you to control access to your credit report.
Security Freeze Contact Information:
Equifax
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, Georgia 30348
1-800-685-1111
www.equifax.com
Experian
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
www.experian.com
Transunion
TransUnion Security Freeze
P. O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
1-888-909-8872
www.transunion.com
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