Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
December 5, 2006

New Ways to Combat Identity Theft

There have been numerous warnings about identity theft and the danger it poses. Now I'd like to tell you about a few new laws and resources to fight back.

Thieves "steal identities" by obtaining personal and financial information of others, and then use that information for an array of crimes. Social Security numbers are favorite targets. Once thieves get your Social Security number (SSN), they can pose as you to obtain credit data, banking information, and more.

One obvious way to battle identity theft is to limit the use of Social Security numbers in paperwork. The General Assembly recently passed a new law that limits the collection of SSNs on state and local government forms, and prohibits health insurers from using SSNs for purposes of identification.

Under Act 160 of 2006, Commonwealth agencies and municipalities that issue or renew a professional license or certification, occupational license or certification or recreational license, must now allow for the use of alternative forms of identification. Alternatives include a Pennsylvania driver's license number or a state non-driver identification card number.

Limiting the use of Social Security numbers makes it harder for thieves to get their hands on them. The next step is to limit the information identity thieves can obtain. Act 163 of 2006 helps achieve this goal.

This new law allows consumers to place and remove security freezes on their consumer report. It allows consumers to prevent anyone from looking at their credit report file for the purposes of granting credit unless they authorize a particular business to do so.

Consumers legitimately applying for credit can lift the freeze so particular creditors can see their files. When the consumer is not seeking credit, the security freeze effectively prevents anyone else from getting credit in the consumer's name. Act 163 gives consumers more control of sensitive information.

Finally, the best way to fight identity theft is by being informed. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency posts valuable information at www.identitytheftactionplan.com.

The Web site includes information on how identity theft occurs, prevention tips, steps to take if you become a victim, statistics, and information for law enforcement agencies that investigate these types of crimes.

The site also provides a downloadable identity theft action plan to help citizens better manage their personal and financial information and be prepared to respond effectively if they become a victim.

By passing new laws to keep up with identify thieves, and helping consumers arm themselves with information to prevent I.D. theft, we can put the brakes on America's fastest growing crime.

As always, if you have any questions on this or any other state government matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office directly at (814) 453-2515.