ATLANTA (AP) - Georgians soon will be allowed to freeze their
credit to thwart identity thieves.

Governor Sonny Perdue is expected to sign a measure Tuesday that
allows residents to place a freeze on their credit for $3 or a total of $9 for the three major credit reporting agencies.

It allows anyone 65 or older to place a freeze for free.

The measure was three years in the making.

Advocates are pleased with the results.

They call it one of the most consumer-friendly credit freeze bills in the nation.

When a freeze is in place, it prevents credit reporting agencies
from releasing a resident's information without written permission.

It also allows residents to temporarily ``thaw'' the account if
they choose.

It goes into effect August 1st.