A new bill initiated at the Ohio Statehouse would permit Ohioans to automatically freeze their credit report history if they suspect they've become a victim of identity theft. It would also establish tougher sentences for those convicted of identity crimes.
Monroe Peeler became a victim of identity theft four years ago when he got a $3,000 utility bill in his name that wasn't his. He said he knew the battle to clear his name was just starting and the paper trail continued to grow. Now there will be a new bill about such incidents.
Peeler and several Ohio lawmakers helped introduce Senate Bill 6 at the Statehouse. If passed, the bill would give Ohioans more authority if they fall victim to identity theft."We think it's critical that people be responsible for their own credit and have the tools that they need to be responsible," said Sen. Tom Niehaus, R-New Richmond.
Senate Bill 6 would allow Ohio residents to automatically freeze their credit report history if they suspect they've become a victim of identity theft. It would also establish tougher penalties for those convicted of identity crimes. The bill would limit the amount of a person's information, such as social security numbers, that could be released to government agencies and businesses.
Local police would also get more funding to stop identity theft suspects at a faster pace. "As long as you are going for that goal of protection of consumers, that's the important thing," Peeler said. "I'm encouraged when I see what they're doing."
Currently, 25 other states have credit freeze plans in place to keeps others from opening credit in another person's name without permission.As of Jan. 1, Wisconsin state residents may put a voluntary freeze on their credit reports making it virtually impossible for fraudulent credit to be extended in their name.
Senate Bill 6 will be voted on later this year after more hearings and could be on the books by the end of the year.
