Dear Friend,

We’ve all heard about the losses (and thefts) of data containing private, personal information at companies, government agencies and universities over the past several years. Having your contact information, health status, or social security number fall into the hands of unscrupulous individuals can be a nightmare. I’m pleased that during this past session, the General Assembly passed legislation that allows Marylanders to take a preemptive step to secure personal and financial information. I co-sponsored legislation that allows consumers to “freeze” or restrict access to their individual credit reports. While a freeze is in place, a consumer’s credit report -- and any information derived from it -- may not be released without the consumer’s prior authorization. This important privacy protection bill was sponsored in the House by District 16 Delegates Lee, Bronrott and Goldwater and signed into law by Governor O’Malley in May.

Under the new law, consumers may request a freeze by certified mail, electronic mail, or on-line under specified circumstances. When a consumer elects to place a security freeze, a consumer reporting agency must take the following steps:

• The agency must require proper identifying information from the consumer.
• The freeze must be in place within five business days after receiving the request.
• If the request is made by telephone, the consumer reporting agency may require confirmation of the request by mail.
• The agency is required to send written confirmation of the placement of the freeze to the consumer, provide the consumer with a unique personal identification number or password to be used when authorizing the release of the report, and provide the consumer with a written statement of the procedures for requesting the removal of the freeze or a temporary lift of the freeze.
• If the consumer requests the removal of the freeze or a temporary lift of the freeze, the consumer reporting agency must comply with the request within three business days after receipt of the request.
• If a consumer reporting agency violates a freeze by releasing, without authorization, a consumer report or any information derived from the report, the consumer reporting agency must notify the affected customer in writing about the specific information released and provide contact information of the recipient of the consumer report within five business days.
• A credit reporting agency may charge up to $5 for placement, temporary lift, or removal of a security freeze. However, a fee will not be charged if a police report is presented that states that the consumer is a victim of identify theft.

To freeze the release of your credit report, contact the three credit reporting companies:

Equifax Security Freeze
PO Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348
www.equifax.com
800-685-1111

Experian
PO Box 9554
Allen TX 75013
www.experian.com
888-397-3742

TransUnion Security Freeze
PO Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
www.transunion.com
888-909-8872

This legislation will go into effect on January 1, 2008. While I am disappointed that the legislation doesn’t take effect earlier, and that consumers will have to pay a $5 fee for this service, I am pleased that we were able to take these steps to help Marylanders protect their personal information.

Sincerely,
Brian E. Frosh