Consumers can keep companies from accessing data

Starting Aug. 1 local residents will be able to sign up for a security freeze to help combat identity fraud, one of the fastest growing crimes in the country.

The freeze will prohibit the release of consumers’ credit report or credit score to third parties, state officials said.

The action will cost $3 except for consumers older than 65 and those who are documented victims of identity fraud. This new option was created by the Georgia Legislature.

Consumers can use the Internet to submit their freeze requests electronically or they can also do so by phone. The legislation requires the three largest credit rating companies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion to provide the service.

Also this year under the direction of Sen. Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone), the state is adding eight agents to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to serve as an identity theft task force.

That arm of the GBI will investigate alleged identity theft, educate the public on how to protect themselves, support victims and train local law enforcement to combat identity theft.

“The state is taking an active role in preventing identity theft through this legislation, which I am confident will be an important step in curbing such illegal activity,” said Chance. “With $1 million in new funding in the state budget, SB 388 will enable the GBI to add eight investigative positions to the ID Theft Task Force to combat identity theft statewide.”