Freeze I.D. theft

You've had your wallet stolen. So far, no one has used your credit cards but you worry someone might.

Too bad. Before damage is done, you can do almost nothing to ensure the thieves don't mar your credit record. You might have a police report about your stolen wallet, but you can't place a security freeze on your credit report until you have evidence someone actually tried to use your personal information.

But the Legislature is considering a smart and easy remedy. Under Senate Bill 6665, anyone who fears their personal information has been compromised can place a freeze on their credit reports.

The freeze could thwart a thief because the business granting credit would not be able to pull the credit report.

The proposal has its roots in Attorney General Rob McKenna's November identity-theft summit, which drew 300 people.

Other proposals, including creating an effective way for banks and law-enforcement agencies to speak to each other about identity theft, are also pending.

Under current Washington law, you can ask credit bureaus to place an alert on your account asking potential creditors to call you if someone applies for credit in your name. It doesn't stop new credit from being issued — and in several reported cases, it hasn't.

Individuals must be able to protect themselves without waiting for proof of damage done. SB 6665 is a necessary tool.