Andrade Sponsoring Legislation to Waive Credit Freeze Fees in Response to Equifax Data Breach

CHICAGO – In the aftermath of the Equifax data breach, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, is sponsoring a measure that prevents credit reporting agencies from charging consumers a fee to freeze their credit.

“As the Chairmen of the Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and IT Committee, protecting the data of consumers it is one of my top priorities,” Andrade said. “The data breach at Equifax was a direct result of the company’s grossly negligent security practices and they should be held responsible.”

According to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, the Equifax data breach is believed to have affected approximately 5.4 million residents in Illinois. Nationwide, it is believed as many as 143 million Americans were susceptible to the data hack. Residents can use a freeze as a tool to help protect themselves from additional identity theft, but agencies often charge a fee. Andrade’s proposal, House Bill 4095, would prevent fees from being passed on to Illinois consumers if they request a freeze.

“Identity theft has the potential to devastate residents’ financial well-being, and freezing your credit is one of the most important initial steps you can take to protect yourself,” Andrade said. “It would be unconscionable for consumers to pay to protect their credit due to a giant corporation’s mistake.”