|
Munson Identity Theft Legislation Unanimously Passes Both Houses
ELGIN, IL- Consumers in Illinois can rest more soundly now, thanks to the efforts of State Representative Ruth Munson (R-Elgin). Two identity theft bills sponsored by Munson were unanimously approved in both Houses and have been sent to Governor Rod Blagojevich for final consideration. One of these landmark bills protects victims from credit discrimination based upon damage done to their credit rating as a result of identity theft and the other increases the level of penalties one class higher than the current law for perpetrators of identity theft.
Unveiled by Munson and her House Republican colleagues earlier this year, this Identity Theft Prevention Package includes House Bill 2696. Under this bill, it is unlawful to deny a person credit, or public utility service, or reduce his/her credit limit, based solely on the fact that they has been a victim of identity theft, if the consumer has provided a copy of an identity theft report which evidences the claim; has provided a properly completed copy of a standardized affidavit of identity theft or an affidavit of fact that is acceptable for that purpose; has obtained placement of an extended fraud alert in their file maintained by a nationwide consumer reporting agency; and is able to establish their identity and address to the satisfaction of the entity providing credit or utility services.
"There are cases where victims of identity theft do everything right and still spend years dealing with problems related to identity theft," said Munson. "This legislation seeks to ease a person's problems stemming from identity theft by preventing credit companies and public utilities from denying service if the individual provides proof that he or she was a victim of identity theft."
Additionally, House Bill 2699 was offered in response to the increase in the number of cases of identity theft. "The crime of identity theft, which involves obtaining another person's personal information by way of fraud or deception, is on the rise here in Illinois," said Munson. "It is a crime that can jeopardize a person's good credit. Victims of identity theft often go through a stressful, costly and lengthy experience in their attempt to pinpoint the source of the problem and get the matter resolved. This legislation is an effort to crack down on identity theft and reduce the number of victims whose lives are destroyed."
|
