Miscellaneous

An individual can place a security freeze on his or her credit files with the three national consumer credit reporting agencies, which prevents them from releasing information without the individual's express consent. When the individual applies for new credit, he or she can then unlock access to the credit files.

Thirty-five states have enacted security freeze laws to date which, in some cases, require a fee. The fee generally does not apply to individuals who can prove that they were victims of identity theft.

Wisconsin's law became effective on January 1, 2007, and requires a $10 fee to place, remove, or temporarily remove a security freeze. The fee is not required for victims of identity theft.

Illinois' law became effective on January 1, 2007, and requires a $10 fee to place, remove, or temporarily remove a security freeze. The fee is not required of individuals more than 65 years of age and identity theft victims.

Indiana's law becomes effective on September 1, 2007, and will not require a fee.

The status of security freeze laws in other states, and more details, can be obtained from the web site set up by the Consumers Union, www.financialprivacynow.org.

You are also entitled to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three national consumer credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. You may obtain further information at www.annualcreditreport.com.