FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 5, 2022
Media Contact:
New Mexico Office of the Attorney General
Jerri Mares
Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs
505.321.4372
Identity Theft Resource Center
Alex Achten
Head of Earned & Owned Media Relations
888.400.5530 Ext. 3611
media@idtheftcenter.org
The Identity Theft Resource Center live-chat will help victims across the entire state of New Mexico with cases involving different forms of identity crimes
SANTA FE — Today, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas and the San Diego-based Identity Theft Resource Center®, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization established to support victims of identity crime, are partnering to help victims of identity crimes in the state of New Mexico.
The New Mexico Office of the Attorney General (NMOAG) integrated the Identity Theft Resource Center live-chat function into their website to assist victims of identity crimes related to data breaches, identity theft and identity fraud. The Identity Theft Resource Center’s staff of identity advisors will also provide preventative information and customized plans to address all types of identity concerns. Identity Theft Resource Center advisors will assist victims live during business hours or through direct follow-up when contacted after hours and on weekends.
“We’re fighting for consumers by building a network of strong advocacy partnerships and raising awareness of identity theft protections which is crucial to provide victims with restorative resources, and my office is pleased to partner with the Identity Theft Resource Center in providing identity theft victims with a real-time response and high-quality advocacy services,” said Attorney General Balderas.
“We are excited to join with Attorney General Balderas to help victims of identity crimes in New Mexico,” said Eva Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. “Our partnership allows us to reach more people who need help to protect themselves, their loved ones and their business from identity criminals. Giving New Mexico residents direct access to live identity experts – at no cost – will help prevent identity crimes and provide the unique support victims require to recover from having their personal information misused.”
Nearly three (3) percent of the Identity Theft Resource Center’s total cases in 2022 are from victims who live in New Mexico. Implementing the Identity Theft Resource Center live-chat provides victims access to support when they are available, and in a manner they often prefer – a live chat rather than a phone call. Identity Theft Resource Center advisors will:
- Ask what happened
- Ask a series of questions to help determine the scope of the problem
- Provide a victim or curious consumer with a detailed, custom plan of actions/steps to take
In January, most contacts from New Mexico were regarding fraudulent employment. However, the Identity Theft Resource Center has seen a shift in New Mexico victim inquiries towards the misuse of financial accounts.
The Identity Theft Resource Center is committed to providing access to everyone seeking help. Read about the Center’s accessibility initiative here. Anyone can contact an advisor by visiting idtheftcenter.org or calling toll-free at 888.400.5530.
About the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General
As a National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network (NITVAN) Grant recipient, the NMOAG has worked with stakeholders statewide to make a positive impact on victim services by better addressing the rights and needs of victims of identity theft and fraud here in New Mexico.
Through collaboration, training, and outreach, the NMOAG has provided coordinated comprehensive services and support for victims of Identity Theft and Fraud, training resources for law enforcement agencies, victim assistance organizations and other related organizations to ensure a well-educated, quality response in cases of ID theft and fraud, and community educational programs regarding ID theft, fraud and prevention options to reduce the risk of victimization and/or re-victimization.
About the Identity Theft Resource Center
Founded in 1999, the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a national nonprofit organization established to empower and guide consumers, victims, business and government to minimize risk and mitigate the impact of identity compromise and crime. Through public and private support, the ITRC provides no-cost victim assistance and consumer education through its website live-chat idtheftcenter.org and toll-free phone number 888.400.5530. The ITRC also equips consumers and businesses with information about recent data breaches through its data breach tracking tool, notified. The ITRC offers help to specific populations, including the deaf/hard of hearing and blind/low vision communities.
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