By County Executive Ed Day
Identity theft is a crime that can happen to anyone, and unfortunately, it continues to become more common as scammers find new ways to target unsuspecting victims.
Whether it is a stolen password, fraudulent charges on a bank account, or personal information being used without permission, the impact can be overwhelming. Many victims are left wondering where to begin and what steps they should take to protect themselves.
As a former law enforcement professional, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly identity theft can disrupt someone’s life and how critical it is to act fast. That experience is one of the reasons I am committed to ensuring Rockland residents have clear guidance and strong support when navigating these situations.
I’m proud to share the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection has created a new Identity Theft Quick Recovery Guide to help residents take action quickly and effectively if they believe their identity has been compromised.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumer fraud losses reached approximately $16 billion in 2025, with identity theft complaints accounting for more than 1.35 million reports. These numbers are a reminder that no one is immune, and being prepared is one of the best defenses we have.
The new guide provides residents with a clear checklist of important actions, including placing a fraud alert or credit freeze, reviewing credit reports, reporting identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission, contacting financial institutions, securing online accounts, and disputing fraudulent information.
I want to thank Director Kimberly Von Ronn and the entire Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection team for creating this valuable resource. Their work continues to ensure Rockland residents have access to the information and support they need to protect themselves from scams and recover when they become victims.
I encourage residents not to wait until they are targeted to learn what steps to take. Review this guide now, share it with your family and friends, and make sure you are prepared.
The Identity Theft Quick Recovery Guide, including a large print edition for our senior residents, is available on the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection website.
For more information or assistance with identity theft recovery, contact the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection at (845) 364-3901 or consumerprotection@co.rockland.ny.us.