New York has the sixth highest per-capita incidence of identity theft in the country; learn how to protect yourself or what to do if identity theft occurs. For even more information, type ‘identity theft’ into the Help Wanted Interactive search box to your right for additional resources related to:
• Identity Theft Restitution
• Identity Theft and Domestic Violence
• Identity Theft and Children
• Identity Theft and Fraud Alerts/Security Freezes
• Protecting Your Social Security Number
• Identity Theft Information for Members of Our Armed Forces
Dan Bazile on Protecting Your Passwords
Read this list of scams to watch out for, as identified by the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB).
Listen: Dan Bazile on Online Employment Scams
Empower yourself with information so that you will be prepared before someone attempts to take advantage of you and your money.
File a complaint with the New York State Office of the Attorney General here. The Attorney General’s office handles complaints on a wide variety of issues, from Lemon Law violations with automobiles to discrimination to more general consumer complaints. Explore this page to best determine how to move forward with your complaint.
Are you at or near the limits on your lines of credit? Do you usually only pay the minimum on your credit cards? Are you thinking of borrowing money to pay your debts? Are creditors calling you regarding late payments? Does your financial situation weigh on your mind? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, credit counseling may be for you. Since 1972, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central New York (which also offers branches in other parts of the state, including an Albany branch and others) has been helping people just like you. Take control of your money and get on the right track to financial stability.
The Federal Trade Commission is the only authorized source to get your free annual credit report under federal law. Other outfits offering credit reports may or may not be legitimate.
Help Wanted Highlight 
Every hour, someone in the state of New York needs essential services, but people often don’t know where to turn. The United Way encourages people to pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1 (or 3-1-1 in the New York City area) to get answers and assistance. Dial now, or click here to locate the 2-1-1 service in your area.
This episode-by-episode ‘Help Wanted’ curriculum for educators was developed by Employment Works! at the Mental Health Association of Columbia Greene Counties for the Personalized Recovery of Oriented Services (PROS) in Greene County.
Learn potential ‘rip-off lines’ that may be used by disreputable contractors and other warning signs of unethical contractors. In addition, check your contractor out before the work begins; use this resource to find a list of judgments and complaints against contractors in your area.
Read about what to do if your child has been a victim of identity theft, as well as steps you can take to prevent your child from becoming a victim of identity theft.
Important information on protecting your child from identity theft, as well as what to do if you believe that your child’s information has been used fraudulently.
Victims of domestic violence can be particularly vulnerable to identity theft; this guide will help you prevent or respond to identity theft in cases of domestic violence.
See sample letters to the three major credit reporting agencies for examples of how you can request a security freeze on your credit report.
Understand how to protect your social security number in the marketplace and at work.
Understand the difference between a fraud alert and a security freeze.
This worksheet includes a list of entities you may wish to contact if you are in the process of rectifying identity theft and reclaiming your good name.
Use this form to document expenses that were the result of identity theft for restitution and/or insurance purposes.
Learn how to spot and fight illegal debt collection tactics and know the consumer safeguards that are in place by law.
Online resources are not particularly helpful unless you have relatively consistent access to a computer with an Internet connection. If you do not have suitable Internet access, your local public library can help. Find your local public library within the New York State public library system and begin making use of this valuable, free resource today.
File a complaint here if you believe you have been the victim of an Internet scam.
Dan Bazile on Phishing Scams
Learn more about your legal rights in the areas of credit, debt and other consumer law issues. To find legal assistance available in your area, visit LawHelp.org/NY and click on ‘Consumer.’ En Espanol: ayudalegalny.org y clik ‘Consumidor.’
If you are worried about a merchant taking back an item that has been sold to you, know your rights and learn how to move from ‘default’ to ‘redemption.’
By law, all workers in New York State must be paid a minimum of $7.25. Learn more here.
Payday loans are very expensive and can become hard to pay back. Listed here, you will find several alternatives to obtaining a payday loan that you may wish to consider.
See information on responding to identity theft for members of our armed forces.
It is not uncommon for a scammer to pose as a deceased person to avoid legal or financial obligations or problems; learn how to protect the name of your loved one.
New York’s public library systems and public libraries offer job information, resources, and referrals for New Yorkers and people looking to work in New York State, as well as help with job training, consumer protection and family finance resources. Click here to find employment/job information links from a map of public libraries in New York State.
A change in labor law on Nov. 24, 2009 gives more protection to employees who complain to their employer about labor law violations or who report violations to the Department of Labor. Find out how to handle a potential labor law violation by your employer here. Or, call 1-888-52-LABOR, or send the New York State Department of Labor an e-mail.
The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is the state’s top consumer watchdog. Contact them if you believe that you have been the target of a scam. CPB’s Winter/Spring 2010 newsletter is available here. In addition, you will find CPB’s Spanish-language newsletter aqui en Español and translated here in English.
Listen: Dan Bazile on Collect Call Phone Scams
