Bill to reduce identity theft clears Assembly

Consumers will have added identity theft protection under a bill passed recently by the California Assembly. It was introduced by state Assemblywoman Fran Pavley (D-Woodland Hills).

AB-1610 would require credit lenders to verify that information on credit applications, such as name and Social Security number, matches what’s in the consumers’ credit report. Current law only requires that the address be verified.

"Law enforcement cites sloppy lending practices as the No. 1 preventative measure needed to stop identity theft," said Pavley.

Pavley’s bill ensures that creditors use due diligence when checking credit applications. AB-1610 now moves to the state Senate.