How to Prevent Identification Theft

The Oregon Consumer Identify Theft Protection Act, passed during the 2007 Legislature, creates strong standards for businesses to ensure the safety of sensitive data that can be used by identity thieves.  The law contains several new requirements:

* Protecting Social Security Numbers - Effective Oct 1, 2007.  The law prohibits anyone who keeps Social Security numbers from printing them on any material that is mailed when the recipient has not requested it.  The law also prohibits printing a Social Security number on a card used to access products or services, or publicly posting or displaying a Social Security number, such as on a Web site.

* Notification of Security Breach - Effective Oct 1, 2007.  Anyone who keeps personal identifying information about Oregonians must notify them if computer files containing that personal information have been subject to a security breach.  The notification must be done as soon as possible--unless it would impede a criminal investigation--in writing, electronically, or by telephone.

* Protecting Data - Effective Jan 1, 2008.  Businesses must develop, implement, and maintain reasonable safeguards to ensure the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the personal identity information they keep.  This includes properly disposing of the information.

The law also allows Oregon consumers, effective Oct 1, 2007, to place a security freeze on their credit file to help prevent identity theft.

For guidance on how to implement these new requirements, go to the Department of Consumer and Business Services Web site at http://www.dfcs.oregon.gov/id_theft.html or call 503-378-4140 or toll free 866-814-9710.

This information is not intended to provide legal advice. Any incidental fee-paying University of Oregon student who has questions about landlord/tenant issues may call ASUO Legal Services at 346-4273 to arrange an appointment.

Information disseminated in this website does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. This page is for information purposes only. For legal advice, contact an attorney licensed in your state.