AG Balderas announces Identity Theft Resource Center live-chat added to website to help identity crime victims

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 05 October 2022 05 October 2022

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.

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