The state Consumer Protection Board and the state Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence 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.
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. 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:
• Check and close compromised accounts.
• File police and/or Federal Trade Commission affidavits with credit bureaus.
• Place a security freeze on your credit reports.
• Consider initiating a fraud alert on your credit reports.
• Check your free credit report regularly for errors.
To learn more about how to prevent and mitigate identity theft and access the complete version of these tips and other identity theft and consumer assistance resources on the CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov. Consumers may also find this and additional domestic violence information on the OPDV website at www.opdv.state.ny.us.
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.
To file a consumer complaint with the NYS Consumer Protection Board, call our toll-free hotline at 800-697-1220 or visit CPB’s website at www.nysconsumer.gov.
On the net: www.nysconsumer.gov
www.opdv.state.ny.us
