Credit Freeze Can Help Prevent Identity Theft

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Credit Freeze Can Help Prevent Identity Theft

By Danielle Plogmann, Producer

By Danielle Plogmann

DES MOINES - Iowa's Attorney General wants people to know about a new tool to help prevent identity theft.

A law took effect July 1, giving Iowans the right to tell the three major credit reporting agencies to stop sharing their credit reports. Since most businesses will not open accounts without checking your credit history, freezing your credit report can keep thieves from getting credit in your name.

The credit freeze is free for identity theft victims who've filed a police report. For others, the cost is ten dollars per agency. Companies can also charge up to 12 dollars to remove the freeze.
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Friday, Jul 25 at 9:01 AM anonymous wrote ...

That's great for credit cards and so on, but what about the utility companies that just go on a person's word that they are who they say they are. That's just as detrimental. Trust me!!! No one ever thinks about that. How do you prevent that.

Friday, Jul 25 at 6:22 AM Who Owns You? wrote ...

You shouldn't have to pay ANY fees for restricting your own information. Companies that want it should have to pay for it, and should have your written permission first. Nobody should be allowed to maintain a dossier of your private information without your express permission. Why is it "identity theft" if an individual gets your private info but "just business" if corporations get it?

Thursday, Jul 24 at 6:30 PM Dan wrote ...

Here is the AG's web page on this topic. http://www.state.ia.us/government/ag/consumer_advisories/credit_finance/Freezing_your_Credit_Report.html

Thursday, Jul 24 at 5:22 PM Lorin K Buckner wrote ...

Identity Sheild is the best product out there, that does a complete job before during and after. No other product comes close. Lorin K Buckner Certified Identity Risk Mangement Specialist. 800 517 3126

Thursday, Jul 24 at 5:09 PM Adam wrote ...

Making money off fear.

Thursday, Jul 24 at 4:14 PM Teca wrote ...

So will credit card companies still be able to 'check' your credit every month (like Bank of America likes to do)?

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