FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indiana’s senior citizens benefit from security freeze law effective Sept. 1
(Statehouse) –Senior citizens who are attractive targets for identity thieves will benefit from new credit freeze legislation effective Sept. 1, according to Sen. Gary Dillon (R-Pierceton). Sen. Phil Boots (R-Crawfordsville) and Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) will join forces with the AARP and the attorney general to spread identity theft awareness to Hoosiers.
Senate Enrolled Act 403 allows consumers to freeze their credit reports and specifies that a consumer reporting agency may provide such a report only to certain persons or specified businesses. The bill also requires a consumer reporting agency to develop and make available a secure electronic mail connection for an individual to use in requesting a freeze, lifting a freeze or removing a freeze.
“This bill is dedicated to solving a huge problem,” Dillon, author of SEA 403, said. “Approximately $50 billion is lost and 10 million consumers are victims annually. In order to open an account or get a credit card, an identity thief needs to have access to your credit report. This bill protects Hoosiers from the difficulties created when identities are stolen.”
Indiana’s new law also allows consumers to take civil action to pursue damages, if the agency releases the consumer’s information after a “freeze” has been established. The security freeze remains in effect until the consumer who requested the freeze authorizes its removal.
“The potential for identity theft is a growing threat facing Hoosiers. I believe this law is important and necessary,” Hershman, co-sponsor of SEA 403, said. “This is just another safeguard to protect Hoosiers from identity theft. No one should have to fear that personal, private credit information could end up in the wrong hands.”
“Our senior citizens dedicated their lives to providing a future for our generation and it is now up to us to allow them to enjoy their retirement years as stress free as possible,” Boots, co-sponsor of SEA 403, said. “I believe this new consumer security law will give them a tool to use against identity theft.”
Criminals face civil penalties of up to $2,500 for a single consumer and up to $100,000 for multiple violations in legal action pursued by the attorney general’s office. Individuals may claim damages up to $6,000 for violations.
Visit www.indianaconsumer.com for more information on identity theft.
Press conferences will be held around the state and information regarding central Indiana locations is below.
Media Advisory
Who: Sens. Phil Boots (R-Crawfordsville), Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield), AARP and Attorney General Steve Carter.
What: Press conferences to build awareness for security freeze law effective Sept. 1
When & Where: Wed., Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. in Room 219 at the statehouse.
Thurs., Aug. 30 at 12:15 p.m in the Lafayette/Purdue Airport located at 1630 Aviation Drive, West Lafayette
-30-
|
