Information Security Incidents

"Bill Passed To Protect Against Identity Theft"
State lawmakers took the final steps in what they call a first step in fighting identity theft Monday night.

It’s a bill to prevent people from becoming victims in the country's fastest growing crime.

A new identity theft law passed by Tennessee lawmakers should help victims like Melinda Williams.

She talked earlier this year about how someone got her credit card number

Williams said, “There were three charges for gas in Orlando Florida, and I haven’t been to Orlando in six years.”

The bill that passed its final legislative hurdle Monday in the house restricts access to consumers' credit reports and limits the use of social security numbers by businesses and non-profits.

The measure also makes it easier for fraud victims to get their money back.

Patrick Willard said the AARP did much of the heavy lifting for the bill.

Willard said, “Part of what the AARP is going to do now that we have taken this first step is go further to educate consumers and educate the public about what they need to do to protect their own identity.”

A key aspect of the bill allows consumers to freeze and unfreeze the release of their credit reports.

Tennessee lawmakers are hoping to slow identity theft down.

The bill now goes to Governor Phil Bredesen who is expected to sign it.

The AARP promises a lot more ways to help people avoid identity theft.