Identity theft is particularly prevalent in New York, which has one of the highest per-capita rates of identity theft in the country. It affects about 10 million Americans each year. Anyone can be a victim, including young children. Identity theft occurs when personal information such as dates of birth, Social Security numbers, telephone numbers, credit […]
Identity theft is particularly prevalent in New York, which has one of the highest per-capita rates of identity theft in the country. It affects about 10 million Americans each year. Anyone can be a victim, including young children. Identity theft occurs when personal information such as dates of birth, Social Security numbers, telephone numbers, credit card and bank-account numbers, and passwords are accessed and used by thieves. The criminals can then open new accounts, apply for loans, make large purchases or access bank-account balances.
Phishing is a common way in which thieves obtain personal information. Through email, people are asked to validate personal information and users are directed to what appears to be a legitimate organization’s website but it is not.
The New York Assembly recently passed a measure that, if signed into law by the governor, will allow a credit-reporting agency to place a freeze for a minor under the age of 16 at the request of the minor’s parent or guardian. I supported this in the Assembly and it passed unanimously. Current law implies a parent is able to do so, but this bill expressly provides parents and guardians with this authority. In the case of identity theft with children, the theft can go undetected for years and is only discovered when the child goes to apply for a credit card or a student loan. It’s important we have laws in place that work to protect children. Unfortunately, in these cases, the thief is often someone the family knows.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection publishes a booklet that helps residents protect themselves from ID theft which is available at http://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/identity_theft/index.htm. If you think you are a victim of identity theft, you may call the three major credit bureaus at Equifax at 1(800) 525-6285; Experian at 1(888)397-3742; and TransUnion at 1(800) 680-7289 to prevent someone from opening new credit accounts in your name.
William (Will) A. Barclay is the Republican representative of the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses most of Oswego County, including the cities of Oswego and Fulton, as well as the town of Lysander in Onondaga County and town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County. Contact him at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us, or (315) 598-5185.