Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

If You Believe You Are the Victim of Identity Theft:

1. Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before open any new accounts...

2. Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use the ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts...

3. File your complaint with the FTC. You may print a copy of your complaint to provide important standardized information for your police report...

4. File a report with your local police or police in the community where the identity theft took place. Give the police a copy of your FTC ID Theft complaint form. Get a copy of the police report (or, at least, the police report number)
(Source: FTC)

Be smart, be safe, and be thankful you live in Michigan.

Granholm Continues to Protect Against Identity Theft

Every 19 minutes a person becomes the victim of identity theft.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Statistics, identity theft is now passing up drug trafficking as the number one crime in the nation.

About 10 million people each year are victimized by identity theft.

Identity theft cost U.S. businesses and consumers $56.6 billion in 2005. (Source: Identity Theft Resource Center)

Something must be done.

Michigan citizens can rest a little easier knowing that Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed legislation today continuing to protect us from identity theft.

Granholm signed Senate Bill 309, sponsored by former Senator Shirley Johnson (R-Troy), which requires that Michigan residents be notified if the security of a database containing their personal information is breached.

The legislation stems from measures called for in Granholm's 2006 State of the State Address.

“Today’s technology has taken commerce and communication to new heights, but it also puts citizens at additional risk of identity theft as ever-increasing amounts of personal information are stored and transmitted electronically” Granholm said. “While I am pleased to sign legislation that provides critical information to consumers, we must do more to provide our citizens with the tools they need to truly protect themselves.”

The legislation signed today requires that individuals and government agencies notify consumers when a security breach puts personal information, including social security numbers, drivers license numbers, and financial information, at risk. Failure to properly notify consumers of a security breach can result in a fine of up to $750,000.

The new notification requirement is similar to one part of the legislative package Granholm called for last year. That proposal would have allowed consumers

• to freeze their credit reports in the event of identity theft,
  
• broadened the amount of data covered by the notification law and
  
• increased penalties for identity theft crimes.

“I am confident the new Legislature will build on this new law to provide consumers with the protection they need to guard against identity theft,” said Granholm.
(Courtesy: Office of the Governor)

(See post below for what to do if you believe you are the victim of Identity Theft)

Granholm's Early Christmas Gift to You

If you don't succeed at first, try, try again.

Words that our great Governor has definitely taken to heart, particularly in dealing with the Republican-controlled Legislature these past 4 years.

Since 2002, Governor Jennifer Granholm has called for legislation that increases patient confidentiality of medical records and ensures their proper disposal. Today, she was able to finally sign that legislation into law.

"As technology increases in the 21st century, we have a duty to help citizens protect their privacy," Granholm said. "This legislation will ensure that citizens' personal information remains between them and their health care provider when they seek medical treatment and assistance."
Senate Bill 465 requires medical records to be maintained for a minimum of 7 years and provides a system for health facilities or agencies to dispose of records older than seven years, while ensuring patient information remains confidential. The bill requires health facilities to notify patients if their businesses cease, or if they plan to transfer or destroy existing medical records. The bill also imposes fines of up to $10,000 if businesses fail to comply.
Senate Bill 468 amends the Freedom of Information Act to make is clear that "protected health information" as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is exempt from disclosure, giving patients protection against unwarranted invasion of personal information.
"Patients deserve the utmost respect and privacy as they seek medical attention," Granholm said. "This legislation will provide that privacy for patients and their families."
The two bills signed today are Senate Bills 465 and 468. The bills were sponsored by Senators Gilda Z. Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods) and Deborah Cherry (D-Burton), respectively. Governor Granholm is also expected to sign similar legislation, Senate Bill 466, sponsored by Senator Bruce Patterson (R-Canton). --Office of the Governor

This legislation might not sound flashy, life-altering, or exciting, but as a client of the health care system, I can assure you it's much needed. Consider filling out one form at your doctor's office. On it you have your home address, your birth date, your SSN, your driver's license number, your insurance information, emergency contact information, among other things. Think about how many people handle that information once you hand over that form. It's not just your doctor's office, it can be outside laboratories, your insurance carrier, hospitals, drug companies, etc.
Identity theft is quickly becoming a growing problem for more and more people and an expensive one at that. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the most common ways for thieves to obtain access to your personal information include:

1. stealing records from their employer,
2. bribing an employee who has access to these records
3. hacking into the organization's computers.
4. They rummage through your trash or the trash of businesses or dumps in a practice known as dumpster diving.

Knowing that this legislation will make it even harder for thieves to get a hold of my personal information makes me feel a little more secure. It also reaffirms the faith I hold in our government, particularly in Governor Granholm and our Democratic legislators such as Senators Jacobs and Cherry.

What a great gift, and right before Christmas!