Assemblyman
  Charles D. Lavine

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  Consumers are
  now better protected
  against identity theft





Dear Friend,

Today’s busy world is filled with both opportunities and challenges for consumers. Unfortunately, from identity theft to annoying junk mail filled with "pre-approved" credit card offers, New Yorkers are at risk of being cheated out of their hard-earned money. Anyone can become a victim of identity theft or be unfairly treated as a consumer. However, help is available.

As your Assembly representative, I am constantly working with my colleagues to fight for laws that protect you and your family.

The information in this brochure will help you protect your privacy and ensure you have access to accurate information you need to make informed decisions regarding your finances. As always, I invite you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
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Charles D. Lavine
Member of Assembly



photo Assemblyman Lavine is working to keep your personal information private
New laws fight identity theft

The Assembly helped enact new laws to crack down on the growing crime of identity theft. These laws will better protect New York residents from being targets of identity theft and provide assistance for those who are victimized.

Identity theft is one of the most difficult crimes to detect. Unfortunately, victims often aren’t aware of what’s happened until they apply for a loan or fill out a credit application. Identity theft is difficult to trace, and it can take years to reverse its damaging effects. Assemblyman Lavine worked hard for these critical new measures - to help prevent these crimes before they happen. New legislation will:

  • Provide consumers with the ability to "freeze" their credit reports to guard against identity theft (Ch. 63 of 2006)

  • Require all businesses or business persons to take detailed steps when disposing of personal information (Ch. 65 of 2006)

  • Allow the attorney general to bring civil action against "phishers." A phisher is someone who sends an e-mail falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to obtain private information to be used for identity theft (Ch. 64 of 2006).

Assembly seeks additional measures to prevent identity theft

The Assembly has passed other important legislation that Assemblyman Lavine encourages the Senate and governor to act upon, including:

  • Place limits on the use and disclosure of individual’s Social Security account number (A.10076-D)

  • Require state and local government agencies to redact personal identifying information from a record before it is made available to the public (A.10075-A)

  • Institute an Identity Theft Mitigation Unit within the Consumer Protection Board, create an Identity Security Task Force, and require law-enforcement agencies to take identity theft complaints and provide reports of these instances (A.10077)

  • Restrict businesses from filing personal identifying information as part of a public record that is not relevant and necessary to accomplish the purpose of the filing (A.7670-D)



Safety Tips photo

Protect your Social Security number! Only give it if you are confident that the information is going to a secure, legitimate and reputable organization

Review your consumer credit reports annually to be sure you’re aware of any and all activity

Shred and destroy any unwanted documents that contain personal information - including credit card offers

Monitor your credit...for free

New York residents can now order one free credit report every year from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to monitor any activity on your credit report from all three of the bureaus: Experian, Equifax and/or Transunion.

Reports can be ordered online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228. Also, the Annual Credit Report Request form can be printed from www.ftc.gov and mailed  to:

"This package will help change common practices and help curb carelessness that often leads to the victimization of unsuspecting people."
- Assemblymember
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Get news and consumer protection information at www.consumer.gov



Assemblyman Lavine Assemblyman
Charles D. Lavine
70 Glen Street, Suite 100
Glen Cove, NY 11542
516-676-0050


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