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8.3 million Americans fall victim to identity theft each year.

For legislators: The Clean Credit and Identity Theft Protection Act: Model State Law (PDF) for states seeking to enact stronger protections for consumers.

For legislators: Model Bill to Reduce Solicitation, Mailing and Other Uses of SSNs

Lock up credit files with a security freeze

A security freeze lets you stop identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. The freeze stops new potential creditors from seeing your consumer credit report and credit score. When you want to use your own credit record, you open your file with a PIN. Check below to see if your state has a security freeze law and learn how to use it.


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Have you or a loved one experienced identity theft? We would like to hear your story.

Updates From Consumers Union
Some states making ID theft protection easier
It's becoming easier in some states to use the security freeze to prevent crooks from ruining credit records

Alaska governor signs strong new ID theft law
New law includes toughest restrictions on collection and sale of Social Security numbers in the U.S.

CU says Social Security numbers need protection
Widespread use and availability of Social Security numbers puts Americans at risk of ID theft

Things to consider when deciding whether to place a Security Freeze
Should you get a security freeze? Here is some information from Consumers Union about this personal choice.

FTC: 8.3 million identity theft victims in U.S.
Report shows need for tougher identity theft protections

Federal legislators tell consumer reporting agencies to improve the security freeze
Congresswoman Maloney and Sen. Schumer have called on credit bureaus to make security freezes more affordable.

ID theft freeze available nationwide on Nov. 1
Consumers Union offers guide to freezing access to credit files to thwart ID thieves

Frequently asked questions about security freeze
Credit card companies, merchants, other businesses, and government entities do not always adequately safeguard consumers' private financial information.

Costly credit-monitoring services offer limited fraud protection
Consumer Reports says credit monitoring is overrated, oversold, and overpriced

Powerful ID theft protection goes nationwide
All three credit bureaus will offer "security freeze" protection in all 50 states by November 1



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