Identity Protection

[gettingthere]

I guess I should count my blessings...$5 in Massachusetts

Another thing to be irritated with. Why should the cost differ by state?

[beowulf]

No idea. Must be state consumer protection laws. I, incorrectly, assumed that the only fee was to place a freeze. Though they are now free for everyone on Equifax. Still waiting for them to get back to me on the free ID theft protection. Been about a week since I submitted my info

[brucethebroker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beowulf Better solution: 1. Have no credit cards 2. Pay everything in cash 3. Use only disposable cell phones 4. Never use credit for anything 5. Wear a hoodie at all times to avoid security cameras 6. Don't own a car or have a drivers license 7. Never vote or register for anything, including a library card 8. Don't file a tax return 9. Only use computers in public libraries anonymously 10. Live in a cave with no electricity All we can do is be careful. Or, as someone famous once said "just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean someone isn't out to get me."

And, don't forget to wear your tin foil hat...

[beowulf]

Actually, a tinfoil body bag would be even better ��

[GTFan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beowulf The temporary unfreezes and refreezes are free. Last time I needed to do it, I was told by my bank that they would not provide that info, so I just unfroze all 3 for 48 hours. Worked out fine. And yes, all credit bureaus suck.

Definitely a state-by-state thing, it's $3 here.
State-by-state freeze fees

This is one of the first things Congress should address with the bureaus - it's OUR data, not theirs and we should all have free access to lock and unlock, view reports at any time (not just once a year or whatever), etc. If this breach doesn't result in tighter federal regulation of these jackalopes it'll be yet another example of how they're all bought off.

[audreyh1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gettingthere I guess I should count my blessings...$5 in Massachusetts Another thing to be irritated with. Why should the cost differ by state?

Because some states have stepped in to reduce the cost, decide when it should be free, etc.

When I realized that temporary unfreezes would cost in TX, even if the initial freeze was free if I got a police report, I realized it wasn't saving me much at all.

Edited: According to the consumers union article I am wrong about this and a credit unfreeze should also be free for someone from TX exposed to ID theft. Different information than I was able to gather a couple of years ago.

[Sunset]

Some States, like IL at first blush look like it's free if you are an ID theft victim, however that's not so true in reality.

In IL they want an investigative report/police report of the unlawful use of your ID by someone - Not simply the theft.

Talk about locking the barn door after the horse has left.

[audreyh1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunset Some States, like IL at first blush look like it's free if you are an ID theft victim, however that's not so true in reality. In IL they want an investigative report/police report of the unlawful use of your ID by someone - Not simply the theft. Talk about locking the barn door after the horse has left.

I believe only the initial freeze is free for ID theft victims and requires a police report that your info was compromised - at least in TX.

At least it doesn't require you to prove someone already stole your identity.