New Law to Protect Victims of Identity Theft
August 1, 2008
Author: Kirsten E. Keefe
On July 7, 2008, Governor Paterson signed into law his identity theft program bill. The law includes restrictions for the use of social security numbers for personal identification by employers, business and the government, and outlaws possession of "skimmer" devices which can obtain personal information from credit cards for the purpose of committing identity theft. The Security Freeze law is strengthened, as well, making it easier for consumers to impose and lift freezes free of charge. Victims of identity theft will be able to obtain restitution in the amount equal to the time they spend fixing the damage caused by the identify theft. Provisions of the bill go into effect at different times, starting August 6, 2008.
The new law also empowers the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) to assist victims of identity theft, and authorizes the CPB to set forth rules and regulations for implementation of the program. Victims of identity theft can call the CPB's toll free number at (888) 382-1222. For more information and a copy of the press release, go to the CPB's website at http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/ where information is availability in multiple languages. A copy of the legislation can be obtained by going to the New York Assembly or Senate websites and searching for bill number "A11752" or "S8376".
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