New Law Aims At Preventing Identity Theft

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Nate Crossett

Story Created: Oct 31, 2006 at 5:33 PM EST

Story Updated: Oct 31, 2006 at 5:33 PM EST

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Consumers in New York state are getting some more protection against identity theft. Starting tomorrow, New Yorkers can freeze their reports at the three major credit reporting agencies, stopping identity thieves from opening charge accounts or loans in their name.

New York followed 20 other states with the measure passed by the state Legislature and signed by Governor Pataki in June.

Meanwhile, two other new state laws take effect. One requires businesses to properly dispose of records with personal information or risk $5,000. The other prohibits deceptive online solicitation of personal information, a practice called "phishing."

That law allows private companies, nonprofit groups and the state attorney general to bring civil actions against the scam artists.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 17,000 New Yorkers were victims of identity theft last year, second only to California.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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