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Rep. Deb Wallace to join AARP,
Washington Credit
Union League
and Others in Support of
Credit Freeze Legislation
Wallace says credit freeze legislation a
necessary
step to stopping identity theft
When Rep. Deb Wallace
(D-Vancouver) held a 2005 community action forum on
the topic of identity theft, she said the turnout
was surprising.
"We hold forums on all kinds of
topics and usually we'll have 20 or 30 folks in the
room," Wallace commented. "But more than 80 people
showed up to hear the presentations on ID theft. It
really made me realize how concerned people are
about this issue."
Wallace said she's heard all
kinds of stories from constituents who have been
victims of identity theft, and has been working on
legislation to help protect people from the growing
crime.
House Bill 1544 is one example of
an easy way for people to protect themselves against
ID theft. The bill would allow consumers to put a
freeze on their credit at any time, regardless of
whether suspicious activity has occurred or not.
"This bill will empower people to
protect their credit before it's damaged," said
Wallace. "As one constituent told me, being able to
freeze your credit only after you've become a victim
is like closing the barn door after the horse has
escaped. We can prevent these crimes, rather than
just waiting for it to happen and responding after
the fact."
Wallace will join credit
protection advocates and other legislators who are
sponsoring credit freeze legislation at a news
conference tomorrow. Information on HB 1544 can be
found at: (website).
What:
News
conference to discuss proposed credit freeze legislation
When:
Tuesday,
February 6 at 10 a.m.
Where:
Senate Rules Room
(John A. Cherberg Building)
Who:
Attorney
General Rob McKenna
State Rep., Deb Wallace and other legislators Lauren Moughon, AARPJohn Annalora,
Washington Credit Union League.