Credit freeze: self-defense against identity thieves

OLYMPIA – The state’s credit freeze law is due for improvement, according to Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, who authored the original legislation in 2005.

“When I introduced the original legislation, Washington had no credit freeze law on the books,” Berkey said. “Two years later, we have the opportunity to improve existing law to better protect consumers.”

Current law allows victims of identity theft the option of prohibiting a credit reporting agency from releasing credit information without the consumer’s authorization.

Senate Bill 5826, sponsored by Berkey, would amend current law in several ways:

• Credit freeze provisions would apply to all consumers, not just victims of identity theft;
• Consumers could request a short-term thaw in order to access their credit in an emergency;
• Responsibilities would be defined for both the consumer and the credit reporting agency when the request is made; and
• Fees limits would be established.

“Identity theft continues to be a serious problem in Washington,” Berkey said. “Until law enforcement can resolve questions of jurisdiction and resources, consumers are forced to take matters into their own hands. A credit freeze gives people an important weapon for self-defense.”

The Senate Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee, chaired by Berkey, has scheduled the bill for a public hearing at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in Senate Hearing Room 2 in the John A. Cherberg Building in Olympia.

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