San Francisco Chronicle - June 11, 2002
New California Law Takes Aim at ID Theft
A new law will make a difference in your life, even if you don't
live in California. SB168, a law passed in California in 2001 and
sponsored by Senator Debra Bowen of Redondo Beach, makes an effort
to control access to Social Security numbers and credit reports.
While in theory it is only in effect for Californians, many insurance
companies and credit companies will opt to create a single system
that will work for everyone in the US. Many of the bills provisions
go into effect on July 1, 2002.
In brief, here's
what the bill covers. To read more details, go
to our legislation section.
- prohibits the public printing or display of social security numbers.
- allows the public to "freeze" their credit report from
anyone requesting it.
- clarifies how "fraud alerts"
should work.
