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Letter in Support of Senate Bill 325

Cross-Linked to HB 191
Maryland Consumer Rights Coalititon

 

March 9, 2004

 

The Honorable Brian E. Frosh, Chairman

Judicial Proceedings Committee

2 East Miller Senate Building

Annapolis , MD 21401

 

Re: Support for Senate Bill 325– Task Force to Study Identity Theft

 

Dear Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:

 

The Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, Inc. is a non-profit education and advocacy organization that promotes equity and fairness in the consumer marketplace.  We support the enactment of Senate Bill 325 – Task Force to Study Identity Theft.

 

Creating a task force to study identity theft is of utmost importance because of the dramatic increase in identity theft in the past few years.  Identity theft has reached epidemic proportions. Two recent surveys found that about seven million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2002. That's an 81% increase over 2001. And all indications suggest that the increases in identity theft will continue. Many victims of identity theft have had their lives turned upside down after their identity was stolen and have spent countless hours -- sometimes years-- trying to restore their good credit standing.

 

Under the December 2003 amendments to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, Congress preempted states from enacting laws dealing with certain aspects of identity theft. However, there is still room for states to enact laws and take other steps to protect victims of identity theft.  For example, protecting the privacy of social security numbers is not preempted nor are laws giving consumers the right to freeze their entire credit report.

 

While we support the creation of the Task Force, we request that the composition of its members be changed to include more consumer representatives.  Currently, the bill provides for 6 members who represent industry or trade groups and only one representative of a consumer group. Involvement of more consumer groups and individual consumers (particularly identity theft victims) would provide the Task Force with a broader perspective on this important issue.

 

           

                                                                                    Sincerely,

 

 

 

                                                                                    Cheryl L. Hystad

                                                                                    Executive Director       

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