New Jersey residents will soon have more control over stopping thieves from making off with their identities.

Beginning January 1, New Jersey residents who believe they are victims of identity theft will be able to freeze access to their credit reports under a new state law. By doing so, thieves will be blocked from using your credit report to obtain a credit card, car or even a mortgage. All residents have to do is call one of the credit reporting agencies.

Officials warn that even with the new law residents need to be vigilant about securing personal information. They say one way to do so is to shred all documents containing personal information.