In Response to Equifax Breach, Kifowit Pushing Legislation to Help Consumers Protect Their Credit

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to assist the 5.4 million Illinois residents who have been effected by the Equifax data breach state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, is cosponsoring legislation to prevent credit agencies from charging consumers more for taking steps to protect their credit.

“Consumers should not have to pay more to protect their credit and their family finances when large corporations can’t protect the personal information they collect on us,” Kifowit said. “I’m supporting legislation that will prohibit companies like Equifax from making us pay to clean up their mess.”

Equifax—a multibillion dollar corporation that makes money collecting consumers’ personal financial information—recently announced it had suffered a massive data breach jeopardizing sensitive consumer information of up to 143 million Americans. In Illinois, the breach is believed to have jeopardized the personal and financial information of more than 5.4 million residents.

To reduce the potential for identity theft resulting from the data breach, Attorney General Lisa Madigan is encouraging residents to consider placing a freeze on their credit, but many companies charge for this service. Kifowit is cosponsoring House Bill 4095, which would prevent credit agencies like Equifax from charging consumers with a fee to freeze their credit.

Kifowit is also encouraging residents to request their free credit reports and visit the Illinois Attorney General’s office website at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/hotline.html for information and tips on how to avoid becoming a victim to identity theft. Consumers can also call the Attorney General Identity Theft Hotline at 1-866-999-5630.

“It is important that consumers routinely monitor their finances to protect themselves from fraud,” Kifowit said. “If you suspect you are a victim of the Equifax data breach, I encourage you to request a freeze on your credit to protect your sensitive financial information.”