Berkey: Stronger defense for consumers in battle against identity theft

OLYMPIA – In a victory for better consumer protections against identity theft, Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed a bill to strengthen Washington’s two-year-old credit freeze law.

Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, introduced the original measure in 2005 after she was contacted by a constituent, Eric Bell of Everett, who had been a victim of identity theft. As he worked to restore his credit, he realized that Washington did not have a credit freeze law. Bell contacted Berkey about the need for protections and testified at a hearing on the original bill.

“When I introduced the original legislation, Washington had no credit freeze law on the books,” Berkey said. “Two years later, we looked at how the law was working and strengthened it to better protect consumers.”

Comparing a credit freeze to a strong defensive shield in the battle between consumers and identity thieves, Berkey added: “Consumers need to understand that they must take proactive steps to protect themselves from identity theft. A credit freeze is the first step in consumer protection.”

Current law allows only 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, amends 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 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
• Those aged 65 years and older would be exempt from fees associated with placing, removing or temporarily lifting a credit freeze.

“Everyone benefits when fewer consumers are at risk of becoming identity theft victims,” said Attorney General Rob McKenna. “Law enforcement benefits by less complex cases. Businesses will benefit by taking fewer losses, and the creation of an instant thaw means they won’t lose customers.”

“Identity theft is an attack on our good names as well as our bank accounts, and we can’t assume that law enforcement will protect us,” Berkey said. “We all need to take responsibility for our self-defense, and a credit freeze helps shield us from identity theft.”

The law takes effect on Sept. 1, 2008.

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