Take Two: Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr.

Addabbo Supports Anti-Identity Theft Legislation

Queens, NY -  In order to help crack down on the crime of identity theft, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) recently voted to pass legislation (S.1411) that would make it a felony to steal a debit card or credit card account number – regardless of whether the actual card is stolen as well. 

“Identity thieves don’t have to have actual possession of a plastic debit or credit card to wreak havoc,” said Addabbo. 

“Many times, all they need to know is the account number in order to start buying things over the phone or going on an online shopping spree.  Currently, because of a loophole in New York State law, these thieves can’t be charged with a crime unless they actually have the card itself in their possession.”

The legislation would make it clear that stealing another person’s account number with the intent to use it unlawfully, or to let another person use it illegally, would be a crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a class E felony.

“As technology has continued to progress, identity thieves have become more skillful when it comes to emptying out the bank accounts of others,” Addabbo stated. 

“Unscrupulous employees may copy account numbers from sales receipts or phone orders.  Cards may be entered into devices that store the account information without the knowledge of the customer.  People may fall prey to giving their personal credit information out to thieves, believing they are dealing with legitimate businesses.  The tricks of the identity theft trade are already abundant and growing every day.”

Identify theft is an increasing problem, causing severe economic and often emotional distress to its victims. 

Bank accounts are wiped out, expensive items are bought in the name of victims, and it is often very difficult for those who have been preyed upon to untangle all of the details of the theft and stop it from continuing. 

“As criminals become more tech-savvy and inventive with their schemes, we need to make sure that New York State laws are up to the challenge,” added Addabbo. 

“This legislation should help to send a message to identity thieves that one of their favorite loopholes is going to be closed up.”

Now that it has been approved by the Senate, the legislation has been referred to the Assembly Codes Committee for consideration.

Photo courtesy of http://dfempscreening.wordpress.com.

Senator Responds to Cuomo's Position on the Proposed Resorts World Convention Center

Senator Addabbo released the following statement today regarding Governor Cuomo’s recent remarks to the press on the proposed new Resorts World Convention Center and the reported collapse of negotiations with Genting:

Knowing that we are at the very early stages of realizing the actuality of building a convention center, or even full gaming in New York, I am still optimistic that in the end we will make every effort to maximize the potential at Resorts World. It should not be overlooked that the Resorts World site has been the generator of millions of dollars in revenue to the city and state, while contributing over $100 million to our educational system. The site has been the provider of thousands of jobs. Our state government would be irrational to not explore the possibility of thousands of more job opportunities and extensive revenue to be created there.

Actually, the Resorts World site could have a ground-breaking for a convention center tomorrow if it were approved. Most any other site is years away from developing a convention center due to the environmental, traffic, soil and other studies that must be completed beforehand.  

I intend to remain vigilant in my efforts to work with the Governor’s office and the representatives of Resorts World to create jobs and increase revenue for the city and state at the site, while addressing the concerns of my residents on the issue.