Identity Theft Awareness Campaign Sponsored by New York's Credit Unions Backed by NYS Assembly

Related Media

Identity Theft Poster in English

• Identity Theft Poster in Spanish

ALBANY, NY (10/08/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State's ranking as 8^th in the nation in reported identity theft cases has been recognized by the NYS Assembly in a resolution confirming their support of a public service campaign sponsored by the New York Credit Union Foundation (NYCUF) and the Credit Union Association of New York.

NYCUF's Identity Theft Awareness Campaign, Who Are You? Identity Thieves Really Wan to Know focuses on educating New Yorkers on how to be safe and protect themselves from becoming the victims of fraudulent activity. Campaign components include: five :15 sec. video public service messages produced in both English and Spanish that feature Assemblyman Peter M. Rivera (D-District 76) and Assembly Minority Leader James N. Tedisco (R-District 110), a series of 2-3 minute educational videos featuring Mindy A. Bockstein, chairperson and executive director of the New York State Consumer Protection Board, and supporting bi-lingual marketing materials. All video components are also available on a 15 minute looping DVD for cable television and credit union lobbies.

Tedisco, the English version's spokesman, was himself a victim of identity theft and spoke about the event in the introduction portion of the ID theft educational video. "Several years ago, I was the victim of identity theft. I know first hand the stress and suffering it can cause. If this educational campaign helps even one person avoid the devastation of identity theft it is worth the effort."

Statistically 8.3 million Americans and almost 16,500 New Yorkers were reported as identity theft victims in 2006. $33 billion was stolen that same year. On average, a single identity theft incident costs victims approximately $6,000, plus another $1,200 in out-of-pocket expenses and 55 hours of a victim's personal time to rectify the situation. A recently passed New York State law requires police officers to take full information in identity theft cases. However, two thirds of victims do not even notify the police.

A resolution, which designates November 2008 as Identity Theft Awareness Month in New York State, was introduced by Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-District 23). "Identity theft is an extremely important consumer fraud concern and a serious financial crime," said Assemblywoman Pheffer. "Working with the New York Credit Union Foundation and the Credit Union Association of New York to proclaim November 2008 ‘Identity Theft Awareness Month,' I believe, will educate the consumer and help prevent this crime," said Assemblywoman Pheffer.

The New York Credit Union Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Credit Union Association of New York. The Identity Theft Awareness Campaign was made possible through a grant from the Office of the New York State Attorney General in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission from fines imposed as a result of fraudulent activity, and the National Credit Union Foundation. Additional funding was provided by Covera Card Solutions. To view the PSAs and educational videos or for further information on identity theft prevention, go to http://www.nyscul.org/idtheft/cu_psa. htm.

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Media contact: Joanne DeVoe, 518 573-0773 devoepr@nycap.rr.com

The resolution follows:

RESOLUTION

To declare November 2008, as Identity Theft Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging months of recognition of important issues; and

WHEREAS, identity theft continues to plague consumers at alarming rates as identity thieves steal personal identifying information to fraudulently open new credit accounts and make purchases, take out loans, buy a car or establish phone service in your name; authorize electronic transfers; make withdrawals from your account; and file for bankruptcy in your name to avoid paying debts; and

WHEREAS, identity theft victims* are our family members, our neighbors, our co-workers and our friends; and

WHEREAS, according to the Department of Justice, the impact on victims includes damage to credit records; refusal of loans for education, housing or cars; loss of job opportunities; forty hours to repair your identity, and average fraud losses of $6,383 per person; and

WHEREAS, a greater understanding of, and familiarity with, predatory practices to steal personal information, will lead to increased awareness about identity theft as such awareness will empower individuals to recognize and avoid threats and scams; and

WHEREAS, New York's credit unions, with the support of the New York Credit Union Foundation, are committed to curbing identity theft by providing education and assistance to individuals on how to recognize questionable solicitations for personal information, and report it to appropriate local, state, and federal agencies; and

WHEREAS, Identity Theft Awareness Month - November 2008 - is a time to reflect on the needs of thousands of consumers who, each year, become victims of identity theft; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to declare November 2008 as Identity Theft Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York.

* In the United States, 246,035 people reported identity theft complaints in 2006. New York ranked 8^th in the country with 16,452 complaints in 2006 Source: Federal Trade Commission, Identity Theft Victim Complaint Data, release February 27, 2007.