Consumer Protection

The MPDC provides these helpful tips to consumers to avoid fraud and theft.

Security Freeze Now Available to Consumers

On July 1, 2007, a security freeze was enacted in the District of Columbia. Title 28 of DC Code provides consumers a right to obtain a security freeze on a credit report; to clarify the responsibilities of credit reporting agencies; to place and remove security freezes; to provide consumers with a private right of action against willful or negligent violations of security freezes; and to provide for enforcement by the Attorney General.

A security freeze lets consumers stop thieves from getting credit in their names by locking or freezing access to the consumer credit report and credit score. Without this information, a business will not issue new credit to a thief. When the consumer wants to get new credit, he or she uses a PIN to unlock access to the credit file

For more in-depth information regarding security freezes and to check any state status please review the Consumers Union website.