Identity Theft Can Happen To You |
In recent years, savvy criminals have discovered that they can steal from unsuspecting victims without ever having to burglarize a home or break into a car. Identity theft, a crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data and uses it for illegal gain, has become one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. But the good news is that this crime can be prevented. Last year, the Assembly passed a law to help prevent identity theft by keeping vital credit information from appearing on printed receipts (Ch.499 of 2003). While the law helps protect consumers, there is still more you can and should do. Take a moment to look through the information in this pamphlet. It will help you protect your personal information and prevent identity theft, as well as stop further damage from occurring in the event that your information has gotten into the wrong hands. As always, should you have any questions or concerns about this or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact my district office at (718) 456-9492. Sincerely, Member of Assembly |
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan |
helping consumers stay safe |
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Protect Yourself from Identity Theft The best way to prevent misuse of your personal information is to keep it from getting into the wrong hands in the first place. These guidelines will help protect you from becoming a victim.
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Deal immediately with identity theft If you discover that your personal information has been stolen, act quickly to prevent criminals from inflicting damage. The Federal Trade Commission recommends you take the following three actions immediately.
Thanks to the recent passage of the U.S. Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, which became law last December, everyone is entitled to a free credit report once a year. New Yorkers may begin requesting reports on September 1, 2005. Take advantage of this offer and monitor your credit accounts for any unusual activity. |
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Useful Information
FTC fraud hotline Credit Bureaus:
Equifax, Inc.
TransUnion
Experian |
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Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan 61-08 Linden Street • Ridgewood, New York 11385 • (718) 456-9492 45-25 47th Street Woodside • New York 11377 • (718) 784-3194 • nolanc@assembly.state.ny.us |
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