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Can you summarize GACO 10-1-915?
Identity Theft > Notice of right to security freeze.
Short Summary
This legal document, enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 594, 1/HB 130, applies to Georgia consumers. It informs consumers of their right to obtain a security freeze on their credit report. A security freeze prevents a consumer reporting agency from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The security freeze can be requested in writing by certified mail or by electronic means as provided by a consumer reporting agency. The purpose of the security freeze is to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in the consumer’s name without their consent. The document also explains that lifting a security freeze may slow down applications for credit, and advises consumers to plan ahead and lift the freeze in advance of applying for new credit. When a security freeze is placed, the consumer is provided with a personal identification number or password to use for removing the freeze or authorizing the release of the credit report for a specific period of time. The document also mentions that a security freeze does not apply to existing accounts or collection agencies acting on behalf of the account holder. It further states that consumers have the right to take legal action against anyone who improperly obtains access to their file, misuses file data, or fails to correct inaccurate file data. Additionally, unless the consumer is a victim of identity theft with a police report or is 65 years or older, a consumer reporting agency may charge a fee of no more than $3.00 to place a freeze on the credit report.
Whom does it apply to?
Georgia consumers
What does it govern?
Georgia Consumers Have the Right to Obtain a Security Freeze
What are exemptions?
A security freeze does not apply to a person or entity, or its affiliates, or collection agencies acting on behalf of the person or entity, with which you have an existing account, that requests information in your credit report for the purposes of reviewing or collecting the account.
What are the Penalties?
No specific penalties mentioned.
Jurisdiction
Georgia