Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has signed a bill to give people new protections against identity theft.
The law requires companies that report a data breach to offer people free credit monitoring for up to 18 months. People could also request, without charge, a freeze on their credit reports.
Consumer advocates pushed for the law after the 2017 breach at the credit reporting agency Equifax.
WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke about the new law with MASSPIRG legislative director Deirdre Cummings.
MASSPIRG's website has more information on steps people can take to protect against identify theft and fraud.
