NCPIRG Advocacy News

While Congress considers a bill that would weaken North Carolina’s strong identity theft protection law, 26.5 million veterans were left vulnerable to identity theft after their social security numbers were stolen earlier this month.

“If this monumental breach of personal information doesn’t spur Congress to take real action to prevent identity theft, then consumers in North Carolina and the rest of the country are in big trouble,” stated NCPIRG consumer advocate, Rob Thompson.

Last year, NCPIRG worked with the Attorney General’s office to pass the Identity Theft Protection Act of 2005, which requires data brokers to notify consumers when a breach has occurred and allows consumers to freeze their credit to prevent identity theft. Unfortunately, Congress is considering legislation that will preempt North Carolina’s strong state law and make it nearly impossible for consumers to freeze their credit.

“Freezing your credit is the best way to prevent identity theft after a major security breach has occurred,” stated Thompson. “I urge all veterans living in North Carolina to freeze their credit until they are sure their personal information hasn’t reached the hands of identity thieves.”

For more information about how to freeze your credit, contact Rob Thompson at 919-833-2070 or Rob@ncpirg.org .