January 1, 2016
On January 1, 2016, a new law went into effect creating protection from identity theft for children under the age of 16 and people with disabilities. Because children and disabled individuals are particularly vulnerable it makes sense to extend protection to this group of consumers. So-called “protected consumers” can request (through their authorized person) that a credit reporting agency (Equifax, Experian or Trans Union) place a security freeze on their credit report. Parents or other individuals with sufficient proof of legal authority may present evidence of that authority such as a birth certificate and sufficient proof of identity such as a Social Security card in order to begin the freeze. This involves filling out a form, paying a small fee ($5.00) and sending the proof of authority and identification to the General Assembly. http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2015&BillID=H607.
One important thing to note: this “freeze” must be lifted at a later date.
On December 30, 2015, our own Attorney Michael Wells appeared WXII Channel 12 and provided insights to this new law. http://www.wxii12.com/news/protecting-your-childs-credit/37200544