Issue Position: Consumer Protection

Issue Position

STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT
During the 2013 holiday season, a serious data breach at retail stores resulted in the theft of nearly 110 million consumers' personal information.

With the use of mobile devices and electronic commerce increasing, millions fall victim to data breaches and identity theft every year. Rep. Zalewski supported legislation to increase the types of personal information that will be protected and requires companies to immediately notify the Attorney General if a data breach occurs so consumers are made aware of threats to their security. Senate Bill 1833 passed the General Assembly.

HOW TO HELP PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
Millions of Americans are victims of identity theft every year, which has been identified as a top consumer complaint by the Illinois Attorney General for more than a decade. AARP recommends some simple steps you can take to help avoid becoming a victim:

Check your credit regularly. By law, you are entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies.
Never give your Social Security Number or other private information to unknown parties.
File your taxes in person or over a secure wireless data network.
Shred any documents that contain sensitive information before discarding them.
If you believe you have been a victim of identity theft, call Rep. Zalewski's constituent service office at 708 442-6500 or the Illinois Attorney General's office at 866-999-5630 (877-844-5461 TTY), or visit illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/hotline.html.

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