Feds want to know what you think of credit freezes

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comments on the effectiveness of credit freezes as part of a multi-pronged approach to combat identity theft. Washington is among 39 states and the District of Columbia that have enacted laws providing consumers the right to place credit freezes, and each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies now offers a credit freeze option.

Now the FTC, in conjunction with a strategic plan developed by the President’s Identity Theft Task Force, wants to know how effective freezes are at preventing ID theft. The results will help assist policymakers in considering whether to pass a federal credit freeze law. Submit your comments by Feb. 25.

Attorney General Rob McKenna crusaded for state legislation to allow Washington residents to freeze access to their credit reports before they become identity theft victims. He believes a security freeze is the strongest tool available to prevent identity thieves from opening new credit lines in a victim's name.