Freeze Credit!

Floridians are getting a little tougher with Identity Theft Thieves. They just passed a new law that allows consumers to freeze their credit reports if they are over 65. This will save the state a lot of money, and the elderly a lot of anguish. Liz Compton, with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said, “What it does is prevent unknown people who may have secured some of your private information from trying to access it and become you, basically, and make major purchases in your name.”

When desiring to use the new law, the consumer must notify the consumer reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, of their wish to have their credit frozen by certified mail. There can be a $10 charge for the service, but it is well worth it. The only drawback is that you must inform the credit unions a couple of days notice when desiring to unfreeze their credit reports, which can be a good thing or a bad thing – depending on your desire to make impulse purchases.  ■