Cnn.com reported today on Anti-identity Theft Freeze that folks in Louisiana, California and Texas can now do to protect their credit:

Little by little, a weapon against identity theft is gaining currency -- but few people know about it.

It's called the security freeze, and it lets individuals block access to their credit reports until they personally unlock the files by contacting the credit bureaus and providing a PIN code.

The process is a bit of a hassle, and the credit-reporting industry believes it complicates things unnecessarily.

But it appears to be one of the few ways to virtually guarantee that a fraudster cannot open an account in your name.

The freeze became an option in California and Texas last year, and Louisiana and Vermont will allow it beginning next July. However, the Texas and Vermont laws apply only to people who already have been victimized by identity theft.

Only 2,000 Californians and 150 Texans have taken advantage of the freeze, according to Experian Inc., one of the three major credit bureaus.

But identity theft watchdogs say usage is low simply because the credit bureaus don't publicize the option. With identity theft apparently growing, the advocates hope the freeze gains national momentum. Congress resisted calls for a freeze rule during debate over a major credit law last year.

Apparently the big three credit agencies are trying to not publicize this as an option and in this article are discouraging people from using it.

The credit bureaus think it isn't wise for anyone.

The industry has fought the freeze, contending that fraud alerts and new protections in last year's federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act offer significant defense against identity theft.

In testimony to a Louisiana legislative committee in May, Eric Ellman, a lobbyist for the Consumer Data Industry Association, called freezes "the most dramatic and draconian alteration" ever to hit the credit reporting system.

Consumers are accustomed to quick mortgage approvals and other conveniences that exist because banks, retailers and insurance companies have efficient access to credit histories, Ellman said. The freeze, he said, would only gum up the works and confuse people.

"It's using a machine gun to get at a fly," he said.

What the article does not say is how the credit bureaus make their money: by selling your credit report to any taker. Thus a widespread use of freezing one's credit report would cut into their business profits.

I think the credit freeze is an excellent idea that should be the default for all and if you want to open a new credit account or finance a car or a mortage or apply for a Victoria's Secret card then you can use your PIN to unfreeze your credit report account for the folks that you choose to look at your report. As it currently stands, any potential creditor with $15 can look at your report. Quite frankly, it is none of their business unless I am looking to do business with them.