LANSING – A package of bills introduced by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) requiring the Register of Deeds to remove personal information from deeds and other documents to better safeguard Michigan consumers from identity theft was signed today by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. The bills are the first introduced by Byrum to be signed into law.
"Over 7,000 Michigan residents were victims of identity theft in 2005," Byrum said. "In fact, identity theft is the fasting-growing crime in the nation. I am pleased that my first bills signed into law will give consumers additional protection of their precious personal information."
Signed into law as Public Acts 53 and 54, Byrum's plan requires Registers of Deeds to remove Social Security numbers from deeds and other documents. Byrum said she introduced legislation after discovering that a family member's Social Security number, displayed on the deed to her home, was available on the Internet.
"Identity thieves need only a social security number, a name and a date of birth," Byrum said. "With that information, they can obtain a credit card, buy a car, take out a loan and much more. Making this personal information available on the Internet only makes it easier for criminals to steal someone's identity and destroy their life. My package will protect our citizens' privacy and decrease the risk of identity theft for all Michigan residents."