Wisconsin may be the latest state to allow consumers to "file freeze" their credit records thanks to the efforts of Wisconsin State Senator Russell Decker. Decker recently proposed a bill that includes numerous identity theft protections:
- Restricting the required use of Social Security numbers by employers.
- Prohibiting discrimination by businesses against people who refuse to provide their Social Security number.
- Making mail theft a felony that is punishable by fines up to $10,000 or up to 3 1/2 years imprisonment.
- Creating new identity theft penalties for criminals who prey on seniors, children and the disabled.
- Allowing Wisconsin residents to request credit report "file freezes" to lock their data from unauthorized access.
If passed, this bill would grant some great new protections to Wisconsin residents. It appears that Senator Decker considers identity theft and consumer privacy to be an issue close to his heart. Along with regularly refusing to provide his Social Security number to businesses that don’t really need it, Senator Decker considers Social Security numbers to be overused. Hopefully Senator Decker will continue to push for consumer protections like the guidelines proposed in this bill.
What do you think of these proposed changes? Will they be good for Wisconsin? Share your feedback in the comments section below.
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