Ga. House passes 'credit freeze' in bid to thwart identity theft

ATLANTA (AP) Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill that allows residents to stop credit reporting agencies from releasing their information a key step for the opening of new accounts without written permission.

The proposal passed 167-2 would charge consumers up to $3 charge for each security freeze, a total of $9 for the three reporting agencies. It also would allow agencies to charge $3 for consumers to lift it permanently or ``thaw'' their accounts temporarily when applying for credit.

For three years, businesses that rely on quick credit had scuttled efforts in Georgia to let consumers freeze their credit information to thwart identity thieves.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/1/206348