ATM CARDS are convenient – and attractive to thieves.
State Rep. Nicholas Gorham has introduced legislation entitled “Deceptive Trade Practices” in an attempt to curb identity fraud crimes. Gorham, a Republican who represents Foster and parts of Coventry, said he is trying to limit the accessibility criminals have to a consumer’s credit information and at the same time, strengthen the laws in order to prosecute identity theft criminals as felons. Gorham said he is concerned about the ability of a criminal, through credit bureaus, retail stores and mail order companies, to gain access to a consumer’s credit card account.
In a press release describing his legislation, Gorham said criminals could also use other personal information such as a driver’s license number, date of birth, Social Security number, telephone calling card, or ATM card in order to purchase items.
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The results of identity fraud, said Gorham, “can be devastating to a consumer’s credit rating and it may take months, if not years, for a consumer to recover.”
”Someone needs to intervene on behalf of Rhode Island consumers who are subject to having their credit rating ruined,” said Gorham. “This is a rising problem which must be dealt with”
Gorham’s deceptive trade practices bill would require credit bureaus to maintain procedures to prevent the distribution of consumer credit reports to unauthorized persons, and allow an identity fraud crime to be tried as a felony, providing for penalties of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,000.
”This bill will benefit innocent consumers who can have their identity stolen and allow the Attorney General’s office to charge identity theft criminals as felons,” said Gorham.
Gorham is a member of the Joint Committee on Highway Safety and the House Corporation Committee.
