It took three years, but Georgia now has one of the best credit-freeze laws in the nation. What's so great? You don't have to be a victim of identity theft to use it:
The measure puts a $3 cap on the fees that the three major credit reporting agencies can charge for the freeze. The law, which takes effect Aug. 1, also allows those over age 65 to get the freezes for free.
Consumer advocates say this kind of freeze, which bars credit reporting agencies from releasing information without written permission, is the most effective tool to stop new account fraud.
It's been three years since Georgia legislators began pushing the plan, but consumer advocate groups say it's worth the wait. The finished product, they say, is one of the most consumer-friendly credit freeze bills in the nation.
"I am excited beyond words that we in Georgia now have the best credit freeze law in the United States," said Clark Howard, a syndicated radio show host who lobbied for the bill. "Now Georgians have the best way possible to shut down identity thieves cold."
Auto dealers, landlords, retailers and other businesses that rely on quick credit had long resisted such changes, repeatedly fighting the measure to a standstill in the statehouse.
Before supporting it, they insisted on including the so-called "15-minute thaw" - a provision that allows consumers who want to make on-the-spot purchases to lift the freeze for an additional $3.
Here's more from Clark Howard himself, including form letters requesting a credit freeze from TransUnion, Eperian and Equifax.
It won't freeze
your VoIP accounts, though. (Even if you care not a whit for VoIP stories, this one is worth a click due to the accompanying photo. Really.)
Yesterday's Culture Corner: Answered
Psst....Rose, who is this old guy? Is he the one in Planet of the Apes?Yes, it was Peter O'Toole! We were quite frankly flabbergasted at the number of correct guesses (and thinking we should start a chapter of the Peter O'Toole fan club here on campus)...until it became clear that a few of you just Googled the quote to get the answer. For shame!! But we'll forgive you if you forgive us for forgetting to post the answer yesterday afternoon as we said we would.
I am one handsome devil.
For those of you who didn't cheat like a scoundrel-y scoundrel, here is the original story and yes - it is well worth the read. It's Peter O'Toole for goodness' sake!
This would probably be a good time
to update yesterday's photo with a proper caption. [Big props to Mr. BBoard]
No Granny Panties on Nanny's Fanny!
Staying ahead of the copyright police
or how the RIAA will catch you if you're pirating music.
Today's unsolicited product review
Nick Ryan offers a peek into the performance of the Wonder Washer and the Spin Dryer.
An update
on the creation of Babbage's Difference Engine No 2. [More photos here.]
The original steampunk device.
This was not our robot
Our is much taller than this showoff.
