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Suzanne Cecala Director of Communications and Public Information NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Phone: 518-457-5744 Fax: 518-457-5810 E-mail: suzanne.cecala@opdv.state.ny.us |
Deborah Sturm Rausch Director of Public Information and Media Strategy New York State Consumer Protection Board Office: 518-473-9472 Mobile: 518-528-0500 E-mail: Deborah.Rausch@consumer.state.ny.us | |
For Immediate Release: October 31, 2008 | ||
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The New York State Consumer Protection Board and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Issue Identity Theft Tips for Victims of Domestic Violence |
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The New York State Consumer Protection Board and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Issue Identity Theft Tips for Victims of Domestic Violence
In commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Identity Theft Awareness Week as respectively proclaimed by Governor David A. Paterson in the Empire State, the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) are working together to help victims of domestic violence become less vulnerable to identity theft by issuing an Identity Theft and Domestic Violence resource containing identity theft prevention and mitigation tips tailored to the specific needs of these individuals. Identity theft can be devastating. It can result in lost funds, destroyed credit rating, being accused of crimes committed by the abuser, and other damage that can take a long time to repair. While identity theft affects millions of Americans each year, it can be even more overwhelming to victims of domestic violence who need to take extra precautions to protect themselves from abusers who may, in addition to other forms of abuse, obtain and use their personal information as a means of control. “In my view, each person who demonstrates the bravery and fortitude it takes to overcome domestic violence is a hero,” said Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairperson and Executive Director of the CPB. “For, as Carol Pearson said in The Hero Within, ‘Heroes take journeys, confront dragons, and discover the treasure of their true selves.’ Confronting and slaying the dragon that is domestic violence requires support from every resource available, including government. We, at the Consumer Protection Board, stand ready to help victims of domestic violence deal with the consequences of identity theft and other consumer issues they face as each person finds her or his true self, becomes a hero, and lights the world with a stunning example of personal empowerment.” Amy Barasch, Esq., OPDV’s Executive Director said, “When we think of domestic violence, we all typically think of physical violence, which is certainly a big part of the problem. But destroying someone’s credit and/or gaining unlawful access to their funds is a form of abuse that can continue to destroy someone’s life long after the bruises have healed. We were pleased to partner with the Consumer Protection Board to highlight this important and often overlooked form of domestic abuse.” New Yorkers who are victims of domestic violence may place a security freeze on their credit reports free of charge, in accordance with a State law recently signed by Governor Paterson. Placing a security freeze on one’s credit report prevents most creditors and other entities from gaining access to credit reports, thus preventing new unauthorized accounts from being opened. A security freeze can be initiated by contacting the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian or Trans Union. To be eligible for a free security freeze, victims of domestic violence must provide an order of protection, a domestic incident report, a police report, or a signed affidavit from a service provider. Consumers should note that a security freeze should not be taken lightly, as it will delay access to potentially helpful items such as instant credit, a new credit card, new insurance coverage, or background checks that might be required of a new employer or prospective landlord. Victims do have recourse, however, as they may authorize limited access to their credit report by temporarily lifting or permanently removing the freeze without charge. Responding to identity theft is a daunting task, but victims who know the ropes will be better able to negotiate the system. The Identity Theft and Domestic Violence resource provides tips for success. The following is a summary of some suggestions described more fully in the CPB/OPDV publication. To respond to identity theft:
The OPDV is a State Agency charged with improving the response to and prevention of domestic violence. OPDV provides guidance to Executive level staff on policy and legislation and conducts statewide community outreach and public education programs. OPDV trains professionals on addressing domestic violence in a wide array of disciplines, including child welfare, law enforcement, local district social service providers, and health care professionals. The CPB, established in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, is the State's top consumer watchdog and think tank. The CPB's core mission is to protect New Yorkers by publicizing unscrupulous and questionable business practices and product recalls; conducting investigations and hearings; enforcing the Do Not Call law; researching issues; developing legislation; creating consumer education programs and materials; responding to individual marketplace complaints by securing voluntary agreements; and, representing the interests of consumers before the Public Service Commission and other State and federal agencies. |
| To file a consumer complaint with the NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB), call our toll-free hotline at 800-697-1220 or visit CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov. In addition to the online complaint form, the website is home to important consumer safety information. To join the CPB’s Do Not Call Reminder list, send an e-mail to CPB's Do Not Call Reminder list |