Security freeze

A Security Freeze is a notice placed in a consumer report that prohibits a consumer reporting agency, such as a credit bureau, from releasing the consumer report, credit score, or any information contained within the consumer report to a third party without the express authorization of the consumer.

Florida House Bill No. 37 passed in July 2006 provides that any Florida consumer may place a Security Freeze on his or her consumer report by making a request in writing by certified mail to a consumer reporting agency providing information that properly identifies the consumer and paying a $10. fee.  The fee is waived for persons of 65 years of age or older and persons who are victims of identity theft.

The Florida House has put teeth into this law. If the following provisions are not adhered to, the offending consumer reporting agency cannot do business in the State of Florida:

• place a Security Freeze on a consumer report no later than 5 business days after receiving a request from the consumer.
• send a written confirmation within 10 business days after instituting the Security Freeze and shall provide the consumer with a unique personal identification number or password to be used by the consumer when providing authorization for the temporary or permanent removal of a Security Freeze on his or her consumer report.

In order to assist you in securing a Security Freeze, a printed packet of information or a computer disc are available.  They include a simplified set of instructions and sample letters to each of the credit bureaus with the appropriate addresses.  For further information, the complete Florida law pertaining to a Security Freeze is also provided.

For more information on a Security Freeze:

 Email Jerry D’Auteuil at dauteg@pbfl.org

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT

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