Friday, June 6, 2008

New York State Senate Passes Identity Theft Bill

The New York State Senate Thursday passed legislation sponsored by Senator Stephen Saland (R-C-I, Poughkeepsie), that would toughen the state’s law against the crime of identity theft by expanding the types and amount of personal identification that would be needed to charge someone with identity theft, as well as increasing criminal penalties for the crime.

Under current law, a person has to unlawfully possess at least 250 pieces of personal identification to be charged with identity theft. This bill decreases that number to a much more reasonable ten pieces. In addition, the bill expands the list of personal identification information to include such things as an individual's driver’s license number, social security number, Internet account number and taxpayer ID numbers.

This legislation strengthens existing penalties for identity theft in the second degree to a class D felony, from a class E and identity theft in the first degree to a class C felony penalized by as much as 15 years in prison.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.
When I first saw this information, I wondered why was it initially 250 pieces of information. I guess 10 is better than 250 but one piece of information is still too much, especially if it is mine.

I wish I had time to research their original law because if such things as an individual's driver’s license number, social security number, Internet account number and taxpayer ID numbers were not included as personal identitfication, what was included?

Well at least New York Senators are trying to come up to speed.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

Shameless plug
the Best Identity Theft Protection available dot com

Child Identity Theft Does Happen

Identity Theft Shield Overview