CPB Home Press Releases Consumer Links Identity Theft, Information Privacy and Internet Security Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. If someone steals your Social Security number or some other personal information, the thief may try to use the data to open credit cards and other financial accounts under your name. It can ruin your credit and cost you time and money to repair the damage. The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) can help by offering advice on how to avoid common mistakes that may leave you vulnerable to identity theft and tips on how to respond when your personal information has been compromised. Resources on navigating the Internet safely are also available from the CPB. Consumer Identity Theft Resources Consumer Identity Theft News Information Privacy for Consumers Information Privacy for Businesses Internet Security Consumer Identity Theft Resources •  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   • Keeping Your Child’s Identity Safe - Have bills, credit cards or debt collection calls started coming to your home in your child’s name? Learn how to protect your child from identity theft   • 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   • Identity Theft Victim Quick Response Checklist Poster – A poster highlighting quick response actions to identity theft victimization   • The Identity Theft Keycard: Five “Key” Steps for Identity Theft Victims - A wallet-size card with five “key” steps to taken when consumer have fallen victim to identity theft   • Identity Theft Victim's Journal - Use this resource to keep detailed records of all entities contacted to rectify the identity theft and re-claiming his/her good name   • Identity Theft Victim’s Restitution Journal – A victim of identity theft can use this resource to keep detailed records and receipts of all expenses incurred and time lost in rectifying the identity theft and re-claiming his/her good name   • Personal Identification Documentation (PIDD) Card - The Consumer Protection Board has created this tool to assist consumers in tracking important personal information which should be stored in a safe please where it can be easily retrievable. (Printing Instructions: Print the attached pdf, then fold it in half on the short fold and then left to right to create the card.)   • 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   • Security Freeze Q & A's - New Yorkers have a new weapon to use against Identity Theft: the New York State Security Freeze Law   • Tipcard to Prevent Identity Theft - A Consumer Guide to Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft Consumer Identity Theft News • New Identity Theft Red Flag Rules - Effective November 1, 2008, all federally regulated banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions will be required to be in full compliance with federal "red flag" rules     • Governor Paterson Announces Agreement With Legislature On Bill To Strengthen New York's Identity Theft Laws - Bill Will Protect New Yorkers from Fraudulent Use of Personal Information. New York State Ranks 6th in U.S. for Identity Theft Complaints   • Identity Theft Awareness Campaign - The New York State Consumer Protection Board and the New York Giants launch a public service campaign to raise awareness about Identity Theft for New York’s consumers Radio Ad         Television Ad   Information Privacy for Consumers • Information Privacy Bulletin Board (K-12) - The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) reminds parents and guardians to make safeguarding their child’s personal identifying information a priority     • College-Bound Privacy 101 - The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) offers some tips that can help keep your personal information private while attending college, trade school or graduate school     • Think Privacy: Passwords - Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting personal information on our computers. Here are ten suggestions to help you create stronger passwords     • Think Privacy: Cloud Computing - Learn about Cloud Computing and how it affects consumers     • Record Retention - Protecting your personal information by disposing of your documents in the appropriate manner and timeframe     • "Safeguard Your Personal Information" Public Service Campaign - Check out the new public service announcement, subway and railroad ad campaigns raising awareness to safeguard your personal information     Information Privacy for Businesses • The New York Consumer Protection Board’s Business Privacy Guide - How to handle personal identifiable information and limit the prospects of identity theft   • Identity Theft Red Flag Rules Business Alert - A fact sheet for business covering promulgated rules to safeguard data and help banks and financial institutions protect customers against identity theft   • The New York Social Security Number Protection Law - A fact sheet for businesses covering the N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law Section 399-dd: social security number usage   Internet Security • Internet Safety Tips  - Tips to safeguard on-line consumer transactions   • Internet Tips on Terms - A glossary of commonly used terms     • Family Internet Safety - A guide for parents and children     • Security Measures for Consumers Accessing the Internet - A guide to safe computing practices, especially at public "hotspots"