|
New Jersey’s New ID Theft Prevention Legislation Takes Effect
On January 1, New Jersey’s potent, comprehensive "Identity Theft Prevention Act" took effect. The law limits the use and display of social security numbers, requires business to thoroughly destroy discarded documents, requires businesses to notify consumers if an unauthorized person accesses enough information to steal their identity, and empowers consumers to prevent new account fraud with a user-friendly "security freeze."
The security freeze is the right to control access to your credit report. If used, the security freeze prevents identity thieves from getting new credit in your name. A handful of other states have created security freezes for their residents, however all of those security freezes are more expensive and more difficult to use than New Jersey’s.
In 2005 careless companies and universities caused more than 50 million Americans to have their personal information stolen or lost. Marriott’s recent failure to keep track of more than 200,000 people’s names, social security numbers and other sensitive data is only the most recent example.
Congress has been considering several bills that relate to identity theft. While some have strong provisions, none provides the protection that New Jersey’s new law does. Unfortunately, passage of any of the bills Congress is considering would invalidate New Jersey’s law.
How to Place a Security Freeze on your Credit Report
To place a freeze, you must write to each of the three credit reporting agencies. You must provide identifying information. If you are an identity theft victim, provide a copy of your police report of identity theft. Placing a security freeze on your credit report is free.
Write to the addresses below:
Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348 - Send by certified mail.
- Name, current and former address, Social Security number, date of birth
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 - Send by certified mail.
- Full name, with middle initial and Jr./Sr., etc.
- Current address and home addresses for past five years, Social Security number, birth date, two proofs of residence (copy of driver's license, utility bill, insurance statement, bank statement)
Trans Union Security Freeze
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 - Send by regular or certified mail.
- First name, middle initial, last name, Jr., etc.
- Current home address and addresses for past five years, Social Security number, birth date
January 10, 2006
|
