Newsday.com
July 1, 2004

TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey consumers can now learn about their rights to their credit history information with a few clicks of the mouse.

The state Department of Banking and Insurance has created a Consumer Bill of Rights that provides what information residents are entitled to online.

New Jersey residents are entitled to a free credit report each year and also have the right to control who sees their credit information. The link also directs consumers to contact credit bureaus if an inaccuracy shows up on a report.

Other measures listed on the bill of rights include some that would require legislation, such as the ability to freeze access to your credit report.

The state's goal is to protect consumers from fraud and other credit abuses. State officials also plan to monitor how consumer credit histories are being evaluated to track patterns of abuse.

"Our intent is to help consumers become more financially responsible while making certain that companies who use credit reports act responsibly with consumer information," said Banking and Insurance Commissioner Holly Bakke.

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