The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection new Identity Theft Prevention and Mitigation Program is in operation effective January 2009, pursuant to New York State law. The program is designed to provide information and resources to help New Yorkers prevent identity theft and assist victims in addressing the consequences of this crime.
- Privacy Basic Training for Armed Forces and Veterans: Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft - Active military personnel, veterans and their families can be particularly vulnerable to identity theft and fraud due to nonstandard work schedules, lengthy absences from home, frequent relocations and duty assignments to remote locations. To honor the unselfish service of our armed forces, the Division has developed this resource. The Division suggests these tips to help prevent our service men and women from falling victim to identity theft and to assist in mitigating the consequences of identity theft.
- A Consumer Guide to Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft - Identity theft is the most common consumer fraud complaint, and the fastest growing financial crime. Learn how to prevent falling victim to this crime and the steps to take if it happens to you
- Social Security Number and Identity Theft - This brochure helps consumers understand how to protect their Social Security number in the marketplace and at work
- What You Should Know About Child Identity Theft - Learn about child identity theft and the steps to take if your child becomes falls victim
- Security Freeze Law Brochure - This brochure explains the New York State Law that provides consumers with a tool to help avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. A security freeze may also mitigate further harm
- Sample letters to the three major credit reporting agencies for a credit freeze - Consumers can request a security freeze be placed on their credit report by the three major credit reporting agencies in different ways: by phone, over the Internet through a form on each of the agencies’ websites, and by mail. To assist consumers, the Division has published sample letters that can be used to make your request for a security freeze
- Identity Theft Mitigation at a Glance - This brochure explains the difference between a fraud alert and a security freeze as tools to prevent and mitigate the consequences of identity theft
- Identity Theft Victim Quick Response Checklist Poster – A poster for law enforcement professionals and service providers highlighting quick response actions to identity theft victimization
- Dealing with Identity Theft in the Context of Domestic Violence - Victims of domestic violence can be particularly vulnerable to identity theft. Survivors of domestic violence often need to take extra precautions to protect themselves from abusers who may use their personal information as a means of control. This resource provides information to victims of domestic violence to assist in recovery from identity theft
- Protecting a Deceased Loved One’s Identity - When a loved one passes away, it is natural to delay dealing with notification and other administrative matters. However, delay increases the risk that your loved one could become a victim of identity theft as fraudulent credit card accounts are opened and purchases made in his/her name. While it is unlikely that you or the estate would be held liable for these fraudulent activities, you would be forced to invest substantial time and expense to restore your deceased loved one’s reputation. You can avoid this problem by acting promptly and following the seven (7) steps on this card.