By AP
Springfield, Ill. – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is calling for a state law that would require businesses to report security breaches that may lead to identity theft.
Governor Spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff says by allowing companies to avoid going public with the problem, it's hard to know the extent of the damage.
"Hopefully by putting some teeth in the laws and requiring companies to let their customers know as soon as any breach of security occurs we'll have a better idea of how wide-spread the problem is," Ottenhoff said, "...but more importantly consumers will have enough time to do what they need to do to protect their credit."
The proposal comes after Choice Point Incorporated revealed more than 145.000 Americans may have had their identities stolen after criminals gained access to their customers' personal information.
As many as 5,000 Illinoisans could be affected. An FBI study found most companies who discover customers' personal information is compromised never report the problem.