On 1st April 2012, new credit reporting laws come into effect which not only give credit providers more access to an individuals credit records, but will also strengthen protection for consumers against identity fraud. Reporting laws will shift from a “negative” system, which recorded only defaults and bankruptcies, to a “positive” system where records of people paying their financial commitments on time will also be recognised. Furthermore, consumers will have the right to “freeze” their credit report if they are at risk of identity fraud.