New NY State Law to Help Victims of Identity Theft

New Law to Help Victims of Identity Theft! A new New York State law was signed into law in June 2022 by Governor Hochul to empower victims of crime. The new law expands what qualifies as documentation of identity theft and expands the eligibility of victims of unlawful dissemination of intimate images, as well as reckless endangerment. Under previous law, victims of identity theft must have filed a police report for a creditor to cease collection, with there being no alternative if a police report was not filed. The new law expands which documents can be used to show identity theft in certain circumstances relating to debt collection. These materials can now include Federal Trade Commission and Law enforcement reports, as well as criminal and family court documents. This increases protection for victims of identity theft by requiring creditors to cease collection activities until completion of their review of certain information allowing more victims of identity theft to put these heinous acts behind them.

The Consumer Debt Legal Assistance Project provides legal assistance to persons who are experiencing consumer debt problems, especially in the matters of medical and credit card debt. Services may include litigation defense and representation, phone advice, and/or referral for further services, including bankruptcy where appropriate. Suffolk residents west of 112 can call 631-232-2400 and east of 112 can call 631-369-1112. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100.