In 2002, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a study which indicated that identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country.  Identity theft was the number one reason consumers contacted the Federal Trade Commission, and Texas was found to be number two in the country in the number of identity theft victims.  Identity theft includes credit card fraud (the primary form of identity theft), phone utility fraud, bank fraud, and employment related fraud.  In the most extreme cases, perpetrators completely hijack another individual's identity to rent apartments, obtain medical care, apply for loans, or even to get a job.

 

Last spring, during the regular session of the 78th Legislature, several bills were passed to help fight identity theft:
• Senate Bill 235, states that an individual who accepts credit and debit cards for the transaction of business may not print more than the last four digits of the card's account number or the month and year of the card's expiration date on a receipt or other document evidencing the transaction.
• House Bill 254, allows prosecutors to try a case in the county in which the victim resides, instead of where the crime occurred.
• Senate Bill 611, restricts the printing of a social security number on an identification card (this will go into effect in March, 2005, allowing companies to come into compliance).    
• Senate Bill 473, allows victims to place a "security freeze"on their consumer credit file in order to prevent more credit from being issued on their account. This bill also restricts the use of Social Security numbers, including making it illegal to intentionally communicate or make public and individual's social security number.
While there are state and federal laws to protect victims of identity theft, individuals may save a great deal of time, hassle, and even embarrassment by taking precautions to protect against identity theft.  First, do not give personal information over the phone, unless you initiate the call. Second, do not mail bill payments directly from your home mail box, but rather mail these items from the U.S. postal mailbox.  Also, never carry your Social Security card, and do not give out your Social Security number, unless you are legally required to do so.  Finally, write to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union) and request that a fraud alert be placed on your account so they will contact you if a request for a new credit account in your name is received.  Reviewing a copy of your credit report from each of these credit bureaus yearly will allow you to monitor this activity as well.

 

For more information on ways to protect yourself against identity theft, or to learn what to do in case of identity theft, visit the following website for the Attorney General of Texas: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/idtheft.shtml. This website also provides information on contacting the three major credit bureaus, how to get on the Texas no-call list, and how to delete your name from the marketing lists of members of the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service for up to five years.  Taking such precautionary measures will greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of identity theft.

 

Immunizations   

 

Last month, the Texas Department of Health issued a statement urging Texans to take precautions against "widespread" influenza.  This flu season has been particularly bad, especially now with a shortage of influenza vaccines.  Now, the Texas Department of Health is urging health care officials to use the few remaining vaccines to target those individuals with the highest risk of suffering severe complications from having the flu.  This group of at-risk individuals includes the elderly, children 6 months through 23 months of age, persons with weakened immune systems and those with chronic health conditions, such as lung disease and diabetes, and women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.

 

While influenza gets the most press coverage, there are a number of vaccines available for public health:

 

• Influenza vaccine, or "flu shot" is recommended every fall, particularly for at-risk individuals, starting at 6 months of age. 
• Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) is recommended for all children age 2-23 months and one time at the age of 65 (or older if it was not given at 65).  This shot is also recommended for people younger than 65 who have certain chronic illnesses.
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is a required series of four doses, starting at the age of 2 months.  The minimum state vaccine requirements for children in Texas is one dose of the vaccine on or after the child's 4th birthday.  For adults who have not completed at least three basic tetanus, diphtheria (Td) shots in their lifetime, a three shot series is necessary, starting with the first dose now, the second dose one month later, and a third dose six months after dose number two. All adults need a booster dose of Td every ten years.
• Polio vaccine is also a series of required shots, starting at age 2 months, with the last shot on or before a child's 4th birthday.   
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is required on or after the 1st birthday.  A second dose of MMR may be required in some work or school settings, or recommended for international travel. 
• Haemophilus influenza Type b (Hib) vaccine is required and can be administered as a series of doses before 15 months old, or one dose after 15 months of age.
• Varicella vaccine should be received on or after the age of 1 year old.  This vaccine is also recommended for individuals who have never had the chickenpox.

 

Texas participates in the Federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program for families who cannot afford vaccines for their children.  Our state's version of this program is called the Texas Vaccines for Children Program (TVFC).  For more information on this program, please call the Texas Department of Health at (800) 252-9152.

 

While many of these immunizations are required, there is no penalty if that requirement is not fulfilled.  Many schools do require a completed immunization record for enrollment.  For more information on immunizations, visit www.tdh.state.tx.us/immunize or contact your healthcare provider. 

 

Please contact me at ken.paxton@house.state.tx.us or by calling 512/463-0356 or 972/562-4543 with any comments or concerns.