There is a simple fix to identity theft: 1. Allow people to put a hold on their credit record that will allow no new accounts to be opened on this record without notifying and receiving an confirmation from the listed address, email, or phone number. People should have a right to know if anyone is trying to open an account in their name. This seems basic stuff to me, yet the credit companies fight it and our lawmakers give in to them. If someone is making a purchase over a certain dollar amount, then they should have to show a photo id that matches the name on the credit card. If buying by phone, items should only be shipped to the address on the credit card account, unless confirmation is sent and received from that address, so people can order gifts online. Any new account opened up using a person's credit rating that features a different address than the one on file should be immediately treated as suspect.