According to a January 2006 Javelin Strategy and Research report there were over 8.9 million adult identity theft victims in 2006.  The total amount of fraud was a whopping $56.6 billion dollars.  The average victim lost $6383. 

Ten states have made great efforts to protect the identity theft victims and potential victims.  California, Texas, Louisiana, Vermont, Washington, Nevada, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, and Colorado have allowed consumers to freeze their credit report. 

Freezing your credit report will stop anyone from opening credit with your name.  This means your lenders, insurers or employers can not get access to your information either.  The three credit bureaus will give you a pin number and only you can life this freeze.  Each state has special rules and fees.

If you live in Illinois, the rules will change on January 1, 2007.  In 2006 you could only freeze your credit report if you were an identity theft victim.  However, victims could freeze the report for free, for an indefinite period of time and unfreeze their credit without cost.  As of January 2007, any Illinois resident can freeze their report.

AARP has a great article for Illinois residents: http://www.aarp.org/states/il/il-news/another_weapon_against_identity_theft_comes_to_ill.html

Have a safe and prosperous New Year.

Sherry Spengel

http://www.dupagedreamhomes.com/