New credit freeze law takes effect Aug. 1

An effective weapon in the fight against identity theft in Georgia will take effect on Friday, Aug. 1. HB 130, which allows Georgia consumers to direct credit reporting agencies to stop releasing their credit files, was approved by the General Assembly during the 2008 legislative session and becomes law Friday.

For a small $3 fee, Georgians will be able to freeze their credit reports with agencies such as Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. The fee is waived for citizens ages 65 and older.