Free credit reports safeguard your identity and finances

As of Sept. 1, New Yorkers can get a free copy of their credit report to ensure that their information is correct and their identity is protected. Additionally, to further protect consumers, legislation that requires public and private organizations to notify customers when their private information has been breached was signed into law to take effect in December.

Under the federally mandated Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act), residents can obtain a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

Identity theft can happen to anyone. In this day and age, thieves are finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals. In fact, they can do it without even breaking into your home or car. While this alarming trend has gained widespread attention, measures are being taken to protect consumers. In previous years, the Assembly passed legislation that established the crime of identity theft and prohibited vital credit information from appearing on printed receipts.

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