1. a. A creditor shall not deny credit to, or reduce the credit limit of, an individual solely because that individual was a victim of identity theft pursuant to N.J.S.2C:21-1, section 1 of P.L.1983, c.565 (C. 2C:21-2.1) or N.J.S. 2C:21-17 For purposes of this section, “victim of identity theft” means any individual who, prior to or at the time of applying for credit, or for increasing the individual’s credit limit, presents to a creditor:

(1) a copy of a police report filed pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2005, c.226 (C. 2C:21-17.6); or

(2) either:

(a) a properly completed copy of a standardized affidavit of identity theft, as established by the Federal Trade Commission pursuant to section 609 of the federal “Fair Credit Reporting Act,” Pub.L.91-508 (15 U.S.C. § 1681g); or

(b) a similar, duly executed affidavit concerning the victim’s identity theft.

b. The provisions of subsection a. of this section shall not abrogate the right of a creditor to deny credit to, or reduce the credit limit of, a victim of identity theft for any other reason authorized by law.

L.2007,c.33,s.1.