Eren Tataragasi

Richmond County Daily Journal

As of Oct. 1 anyone who wants to make sure their personal information is a little more secure can now freeze their credit scores online, preventing criminals from opening new accounts or taking out credit cards and loans in their name.

Under a new law, North Carolinians can guard against identify theft online for free. Seniors and victims of identity theft can also freeze their credit by telephone or mail for free.

Susan Sellers, director of the Hamlet Senior Center said the seniors she works with do worry about identity theft and have become better educated in the last few years.

“They’re being more educated about what things not to do, what not to give out, and are seemingly more conscious about identity theft, frauds, etc.,” Sellers said.

Sellers added, though, that most of the seniors she works with are more comfortable relaying personal information over the telephone than the computer, so it’s good this new law has made room for that.

Sellers said the Senior Center receives updates from the attorney general’s office regularly and updates local law enforcement as well as the seniors about potential scams that may be occurring.

The Hamlet Senior Center also hosts Scam Jams for seniors to alert them to potential scams and tips on securing their credit and their identity. Another one will be coming up soon.

The new state law also requires paid credit monitoring services to tell consumers how they can check their credit report for free, beefs up security breach reporting requirements, allows removal of personal financial information from local government Web sites, and protects crime victims from debt caused by criminals.

Free credit freezes can be requested by visiting the three major credit bureaus’ secure Web sites and providing identifying information such as social security number, address and date of birth. The state’s Web site has some additional information on how to place and remove a credit freeze at www.ncdoj.gov. Consumers can lift their security freezes online for free as well.