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.

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