Ethanol Free Gas
It has recently gotten easier for consumers living in some states to use a security freeze
to prevent identity thieves from damaging their credit records. By September 1, 2008 laws
in Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C. will require credit
bureaus to make the security freeze more convenient to use.
"A security freeze is the best way for consumers to protect their credit records from
identity thieves," said Gail Hillebrand. "We expect more consumers will take advantage of
security freeze protection as it becomes easier to use."
Every day, some 22,000 Americans have their identities stolen. In about a third of
those cases, crooks use the information to open new accounts in their victim's name.
Armed with just a victim's name and Social Security number, a thief can open
fraudulent accounts and start charging away, leaving behind a damaged credit record,
which may take years to repair.
A security freeze gives consumers the ability to freeze or lock access to their credit
files against anyone trying to open up a new account for credit or services in their
name. When a security freeze is in place at all three major credit bureaus, an identity
thief has more difficulty opening a new account because the potential creditor or seller
of services will not be able to check the credit file. When the rightful consumer is
applying for credit, he or she can lift the freeze temporarily using a PIN so legitimate
applications for credit or services can be processed.