A new state law that takes effect today will make it easier for North Dakotans to protect themselves from identity theft.
The law enables people who have been victims of identity theft to put a security freeze on their credit reports for free. A freeze denies unauthorized access to their credit history, which typically stops companies from extending any new credit.
Anyone who isn’t a victim, but is concerned about possible theft can request the freeze at a cost of $5 per each of the three major credit bureaus, or $15 total.
A consumer can request a security freeze from the three credit bureaus by telephone or mail. Security freeze request forms are available on the Attorney General’s Web site at (ag.state.nd.us).
The forms require identifying information, including a Social Security number. If placing the freeze by phone, a consumer must followup by faxing or mailing verifying documents.
Consumers who are victims of identity theft must provide a copy of the police report or the Affidavit of Identity Theft from the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office. Others must send a payment of $5 with the request to each credit bureau. Spouses must freeze their separate credit files with separate requests.
If consumers wish to lift freezes temporarily to open accounts or apply for loans, they can do so by phone. Upon receiving the request for a freeze, the credit bureaus each will send a Personal Identification Number and provide instructions for using the PIN to lift a freeze. The fee for lifting the freeze temporarily is $5 per bureau.
Even with a freeze, a credit report still can be released to existing creditors or to collection agencies. A freeze also doesn’t stop pre-approved credit offers. To end the offers, people can call 1-888-5OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688).
No comments:
Post a Comment