Publications |
Child Safety |
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Toy Safety Inventory Checklist (PDF version and MS Word Document) - Parents, families and caregivers are encouraged to sue this resource to make it easier to identify and catalog toys in their home, especially when they learn of a recall that may affect their toy collection
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Keeping Your Baby Safe - A Checklist for Safe Sleeping for Your Baby |
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Shop Smart, Shop Safe - Keep these tips shopping and safety tips in mind when purchasing toys this holiday season
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4 Keys to Holiday Toy Safety - Here are four important tips to keep in mind to keep children safe when playing with toys |
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Crib Safety Guide for Parents and Caregivers - Cribs that are assembled wrong, have missing, loose or broken hardware or broken slats can result in entrapment or suffocation deaths. Learn safety tips by reading the CPB's Crib Safety Guide for Parents and Caregivers
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Beware! Halloween Fire Hazards
- Learn about fire hazards associated with Halloween |
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Formula for Keeping Babies Safe - The Consumer Protection Board's New Safe Babies Program |
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Do Not Wake My Baby! - Learn to
prevent some unwanted sales calls from interrupting your baby’s nap |
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Making Your Home Safe For
Grandchildren - A guide to helping Grandparents provide a safe environment
for all to enjoy |
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Childhood Choking
Prevention - In furtherance of our "Safe Toys NY" campaign, the NYS Consumer
Protection Board (CPB) reminds parents to stay vigilant about which toys, foods
and other household items to which they allow their children access. Prevention
is your best defense in preventing choking among youngsters. Please keep this
list handy and share with your family, friends and any of your child's
caregivers |
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Ride Safe NY - Parents and children can
visit the Ride Safe NY website to learn tips for safer amusement parks. You can
also find regulations/records regarding your favorite NY amusement park and fun
kid activities teaching amusement park safety |
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Home Playground Safety Checklist - To help parents and caregivers in
providing a safe and fun playground for their children, the NYS Consumer
Protection Board (CPB) has joined with the CPSC and Safe Kids USA to provide a
safety checklist to all New Yorkers |
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4 Tips For a Safer Playground - You are encouraged to follow these guidelines for playground safety before your children play on the equipment |
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Top 5 Hidden Hazards in the Home - Important
tips to ensure your children are safe within your home
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Swimming Safety - Important tips to
ensure your children are safe in the water |
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Safety in the Water - Nationally, on average, 283
children younger than 5 drown in pools and spas each year (and these tragic
incidents mostly involve 1-2 year olds). Additionally, children are injured
and killed when they become entrapped by the force of suction at the drain
because of a missing cover. The CPB offers tips to consumers to make sure
their children and loved ones are safe in the water, including in pools and
spas, where there is a noted increase in drownings by the CPSC |
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Raising Baby on a BUDGET - While
you are enjoying this special time with your little one, we encourage you to
take the time to make and stick to a budget to help accommodate some of the
extra financial responsibilities you will incur |
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Childproofing Your Home - Walks parents through 12 easy steps to childproofing your home |
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"Keeping Baby Safe"
Checklist - Provides you with this list of tips to help you keep your child
safe through all stages of development by identifying possible hazards in your
home |
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Weekly Expense Planning for Baby
- By considering the costs associated with your precious new arrival, you will
be able to adjust your household budget accordingly |
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When is Hot Water Too Hot? -
Tips to consumers to make sure their children and loved ones are protected from
extremely painful and possibly fatal scalding burns |
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Baby Sleeps Safest Alone
- Provides parents information regarding child safety when sleeping, including
public service announcements, posters and brochures |
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Be Video Wise - A parent's guide
to video games for children |
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Car Seat Safety Tips -
Important safety rules to keep your baby safe in the car
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Toy Safety Tip Card - Help keep your
child from harms way by following these toy safety tips
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook for Public Playground
Safety
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Do Not Call |
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Business Compliance Tips for Do Not Call - An
easy to follow guide for businesses to comply with the Do Not Call Law |
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Do Not Call Information Bookmark - A bookmark
highlighting the Do Not Call Registry for consumers |
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Do Not Wake My Baby - Learn to prevent some unwanted sales calls from interrupting your baby’s nap |
Financial |
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Tips to Consider When Evaluating a Credit Monitoring Service - As consumers struggle to maintain good credit ratings in the face of mounting bills, credit card debt, and identity theft, the idea of a credit monitoring service may be intriguing. Before you sign up for a service, the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) urges consumers to read these tips
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New Credit
Card Law Better Protects Consumers - On Friday, May 22, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009, which affords consumers with sweeping protections from abusive credit card practices. Governor David A. Paterson and the CPB were among the vocal advocates for reform, and are concerned about potential actions that credit card companies may take as reforms are implemented. Click on this link for information regarding key provisions of the CARD Act of 2009 |
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The CPB's Debt Collection Information Center - Debt collection problems continue to be a top consumer complaint received by federal and state consumer protection agencies. Click on this link to access information about consumer rights regarding debt collectors, validating a debt, debt collection procedures related to identity theft, sample initial debt collection dispute letter, sample letter to stop debt collection calls (cease and desist letter), contacts for consumer/debtor complaints, and common debt collection questions and problems
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Consumer Protection 101: Pawnbrokers - When a consumer needs access to cash quickly and has collateral, utilizing a reputable pawnbroker may be a consideration. Pawnbrokers make it possible to get the cash you need immediately while still having the ability to redeem your property. The NYS Consumer Protection Board provides these tips to inform and empower consumers
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Repossession of Merchandise in New York State Fact Sheet - Worried about repossession? Know your rights in New York State
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Financial Planner Fact Sheet - Whether you are seeking a complete overhaul of your financial portfolio or you just want to focus on one area of your financial health during these difficult economic times, getting assistance from a financial planner may be a consideration. This brochure provides information about financial planning services
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Payday Loan Fact Sheet - Tips when
considering payday loans, as well as alternatives to payday borrowing |
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Credit Counseling and Debt Mediation Fact Sheet - Are you overwhelmed with debt? A credit counseling agency might be a good choice for you. This resource may help guide you understand what these agencies do and provide tips if you decide you want to use their services |
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Money Mark Bookmark for College Students: That’s SO Money
- A bookmark produced by the Consumer Protection Board providing useful tips
regarding credit card maintenance and preventing and mitigating identity theft |
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Credit
Card Brochure - Provides consumers with information on how to choose
and use credit cards without falling into debt |
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Debt Collection Brochure -
Debts you owe & debts you don't: How to spot and fight illegal debt collections
tactics |
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Money Maps: Chapter 1 - Budget
planning for young adults |
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Money Maps: Chapter 2 - Choosing a
credit card and understanding credit |
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Money Maps: Chapter 3 - Learning to
keep your credit card information safe and stave off identity theft |
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Money Maps: Chapter 4 - Choosing the
best cellular service and phone for your lifestyle |
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Money Maps: Chapter 5 - Learn about
banks, credit unions, checking, banking, debt cards, atm safety, and how to
comparison shop for a financial institution |
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Tax Filing and Privacy Tips: - Providing state taxpayers with important tips to remember when preparing and filing tax returns |
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Unraveling The Mystery
Behind Credit Reports - Assists consumers in accessing and understanding
their credit reports |
Fraud and Scams |
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How to Avoid
Employment Scams in New York State Fact Sheet - In these challenging
economic times, some people attempt to capitalize on the strong desire for
employment and income in different populations or communities. Get-rich-quick
schemes, work-at-home scams, pyramid schemes, and numerous other approaches
promising employment and wealth are used to separate job seekers from their
money. The CPB is providing the following tips and suggestions on how to avoid
becoming a victim of an employment scam. |
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10 Ways to Avoid Scams - Find out how you can avoid scams, courtesy of the CPB |
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Senior Scams - Provides seniors with
important tips on how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of a scam
artist |
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Scams
Targeting the Military - Identifies common scams affecting military
personnel and their families and provides tips on how to avoid those scams |
Health, Nutrition, Travel and Safety |
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Power Up With Safety: Extension Cords & Power Strips
- Overloaded extension cords and power strips can present a serious fire
hazard. Empower yourself with these electrical safety tips |
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Electrical System Hazard Warning Signs - Each year, there are about 31,000
fires and 200 deaths involving home electrical systems. Check for these
electrical system hazard warning signs |
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Smoke Alarms: Install Them, Test Them, Protect Your Family - You have about 3 minutes to escape during a fire . A working alarm can give you life-saving time to get the kids and get out of the house safely |
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Inspect, Detect and Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - This resource provides tips for Carbon Monoxide detector maintenance |
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Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act -
The CPSC Staff's guide to complying with the new law, provided in partnership with the New York State Consumer Protection Board |
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Decorate Safely This Holiday Season -
Keep your home safe when decorating for the holiday's |
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You Are What You Eat! Food
Terminology Brochure - A CPB guide to food terminology, purchasing and
related consumer information |
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Safe Travels - Tips for
packing for safety |
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Travel Safety Checklist - Advises
consumers to follow important travel tips for safety, convenience and cost
effectiveness |
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Travel Scams - Tips to help you avoid being
the victim of travel fraud |
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Travel Myths - Separating facts from
fiction: A Consumer Guide to Travel |
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Food Shopping Tips - A "Recipe" for Smart
Shopping. Tips for the Savvy Food Shoppers
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Health Club Tip Sheet - Looking for
a Health Club? Here are a few helpful questions to ask
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Helmet Safety - Play safe. Wear a helmet.
There are different helmets for different activities. Each type of helmet is
made to protect your head from injuries related to a specific sport |
Home Improvement |
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Consumer Tool Kit to Home Improvement
- Learn about rip-offs and common tools and lines of persuasion offered by some
unethical contractors in this publications |
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It's Easy Being Green
- Choosing nontoxic products to clean will make your household safer for your
family while helping to preserve the environment. Here is a list of the most
common, inexpensive homemade cleaners. Follow all safety guidelines and protect
your skin and eyes while cleaning so as not to cause irritation |
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Tips and Tools for Home Improvements
- Tips, advice and a sample building contract to help consumers find and work
with a home improvement contractor |
Home Ownership and Foreclosure Prevention |
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Home Purchasing Roadmap: How Much? - Steps
towards buying a home, buying
versus renting, figuring out how much |
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Home Ownership Check List
- This brochure provides consumers with important tips to follow before
purchasing a home |
Identity Theft |
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"Are You Consumer Savvy" Identity Theft Quiz Show - This gameshow illustrates helps consumers understand how to prevent and respond to identity theft
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Cell Phone Privacy Tips - Cell
phones are a way of life for many consumers. People the world over use them on a
regular basis, often forgetting the possible threats to their privacy and the
potential for identity theft associated with mobile devices. The NYS Consumer
Protection Board provides these tips to help consumers keep their cell phone
privacy |
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Sample Letters to the Three
Major Credit Reporting Agencies for a Credit Freeze - Consumers can request
a security freeze be placed on their credit report by the three major credit
reporting agencies in different ways: by phone, over the Internet through a form
on each of the agencies’ websites, and by mail. To assist consumers, the CPB has
published sample letters that can be used to make your request for a security
freeze |
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Social Security Number and Identity
Theft - This brochure helps consumers understand how to protect their
Social Security number in the marketplace and at work |
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"Are You Consumer Savvy" Identity Theft Quiz - A question and answer quiz that helps consumers understand how to prevent and respond to identity theft. Many of these questions are asked on the CPB's Identity Theft Gameshow |
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What You
Should Know About Child
Identity Theft - Learn about child identity theft and the steps to take if your child becomes falls victim |
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Identity
Theft Mitigation at a Glance - This brochure helps explains the difference
between a fraud alert and a security freeze |
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New York State Laws Relating To Identity Theft - This brochure enumerates a number of State laws related to identity theft |
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Identity Theft Red Flag Rules Business Alert
- A fact sheet for business covering promulgated rules to safeguard data and help banks and financial institutions protect customers against identity theft
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Back to School - Keeping Your Child’s Identity Safe
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A Consumer Guide to Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft - Identity theft is the most common consumer fraud complaint, and the fastest growing financial crime. Learn how to prevent falling victim to this crime and the steps to take if it happens to you |
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Back To School Basics: Keeping Your Child’s Identity Safe - Have bills, credit cards or debt collection calls started coming to your home in your child’s name? Learn how to protect your child from identity theft |
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Dealing with Identity Theft in the Context of Domestic Violence
- Victims of domestic violence can be particularly vulnerable to identity theft.
Survivors of domestic violence often need to take extra precautions to protect
themselves from abusers who may use their personal information as a means of
control. This resource provides information to victims of domestic violence to
assist in recovery from identity theft
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Identity Theft Victim Quick Response Checklist Poster – A poster highlighting
quick response actions to identity theft victimization |
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The Identity Theft Keycard: Five “Key” Steps for Identity Theft Victims - A wallet-size card with five “key” steps to taken when consumer have fallen victim to identity theft |
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Identity
Theft Victim's Journal - Use this resource to keep detailed records of all
entities contacted to rectify the identity theft and re-claiming his/her good
name |
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Identity Theft Victim’s
Restitution Journal – A victim of identity theft can use this resource to
keep detailed records and receipts of all expenses incurred and time lost in
rectifying the identity theft and re-claiming his/her good name |
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Personal Identification Documentation (PIDD) Card -
The Consumer Protection Board has created this tool to assist consumers in tracking
important personal information which should be stored in a safe please where it can be easily retrievable. (Printing Instructions: Print the attached pdf, then fold it in half on the short fold and then left to right to
create the card.) |
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Security Freeze Law Brochure
- This brochure explains the New York State Law that provides consumers
with a tool to help avoid becoming a victim of identity theft
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Tipcard to Prevent Identity Theft - A
Consumer Guide to Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft |
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Information Privacy |
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Make Privacy Your Policy - The NYS Consumer Protection Board urges consumers to be careful when providing personal information online while playing games, booking travel, communicating through social networking sites and other Internet-based activities to safeguard their privacy. Read the privacy policies of the sites you visit and frequent only those sites whose policies meet your expectations. As you are reading the privacy policies, ask and answer these ten questions before proceeding with your online activity. |
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Back to School - College-Bound Privacy 101 - Tips that can help keep your personal information private while attending college, trade school or graduate school |
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Back to School - Information Privacy Bulletin Board (K-12)
- A reminder to parents and guardians to make safeguarding their child’s
personal identifying information a priority |
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Creating a Document Retention and
Destruction Policy for Your Business: A Check List - It is vital for your
business to have a written policy for the retention and destruction of personal
information to guard against identity theft and security breaches. Please use
this checklist to incorporate fundamental elements into your written policy for
the retention and destruction of personal information
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NYS Security Breach Law - What
consumers should know about the security breach law and notification |
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NYS Security Breach Law Fact Sheet for Business - A fact sheet for businesses covering N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law. Section 899-aa: security breach law |
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Record Retention - Protecting your
personal information by disposing of your documents in the appropriate manner
and timeframe |
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Sample
letter from a breaching entity to notify New Yorkers of a security breach
incident - This sample letter from a breaching entity to notify New York
residents of a security breach incident is for informational purposes only. It
should not be construed as legal advice and/or as policy of the State of New
York. It is recommended that you speak with a privacy professional and/or an
attorney for further advice. |
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Security Breach Data Check List - Steps
to take and questions to ask when personal information is lost or stolen from a
company's computer system |
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The New York Consumer Protection Board’s Business Privacy Guide - How to handle personal identifiable information and limit the prospects of identity theft
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The New York Social Security Number Protection Law - A fact sheet for businesses covering the N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law Section 399-dd: social security number usage |
Internet Safety |
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Phishing Scam Prevention Tips - Phishing (also called pharming or whaling) e-mails trick people into sending money or providing personal information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, and Social Security numbers to unauthorized individuals who hijack their information and use it to commit identity theft. Follow these tips to help avoid getting "hooked" by a "phisherman"
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Spotlight on Phishing Scams - This resource provides information about the prevalent and troublesome Phishing scams
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Security Measures for Consumers
Accessing the Internet - A guide to safe computing practices |
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Family Internet Safety - A guide
for parents and children |
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Internet Tips on Terms - A glossary of
commonly used terms |
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Internet Brochure - Provides consumers
with information on how to find the right connection for high-speed Internet
access |
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Internet Safety Tips - Internet
and Computer Safety Tips for on-line users |
Private Career Schools |
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Is Your Private Career School Licensed?
- Learn about what State licensed private career schools offer students |
Shopping and the Stretch Your Dollar Effort (SYDE) |
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Consumer Protection 101: Rent To Own
- Rent-to-own is a method whereby you "rent" or "lease" merchandise for a period
of time. After such time, you may "own" or continue to “rent” the merchandise.
The information provided in this guide can help you make a purchase
determination. The NYS Consumer Protection Board provides these tips to inform
and empower consumers. |
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Consumer Protection 101: Savvy and Safe Online Shopping - The Internet has opened new avenues for communication, interaction and conducting business. The NYS Consumer Protection Board provides these tips to inform and empower consumers about how they can be savvy and safe when shopping |
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Consumer Protection 101: Refunds, Rebates, and Rainchecks - When shopping for a gift, consumers should be aware of store policies with respect to refunds, rebates and rainchecks. The NYS Consumer Protection Board provides these tips to inform and empower consumers |
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Consumer Protection 101: Layaway Plans - When a consumer is planning to make a purchase on a budget, a layaway option might be considered if the item is not needed immediately. Layaway plans enable you to purchase an item over time. The NYS Consumer Protection Board provides these tips to inform and empower consumers |
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Consumer Protection 101: Gift Card Tips - Consumers often purchase gift cards that may be subject to fees, imposed by issuers. Consumers need to be aware of the terms and conditions when purchasing and using a gift certificate or card. The NYS Consumer Protection Board provides these tips to inform and empower consumers of their rights |
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CPB's Guide to Shopping for Children - It is difficult enough to
shop for children in today’s marketplace with the assortment of toys, games,
dolls, crafts, sports and recreational equipment available. The CPB is pleased
to provide this handy guide of safety tips compiled from several of the nation’s
top child safety organizations to use while shopping for children of all ages. |
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You Really Shouldn't Have - CPB's Guide to Dealing with Unwanted Gifts
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Special Holiday “Shopping
for Kids” Edition |
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Student Textbook Affordability Considerations for Faculty |
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Textbook Pricing Resources
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The 411 on Textbooks Bookmark - In response to the rising costs of textbooks and
school supplies, Governor Paterson and the NYS Legislature passed the Textbook
Access Act of 2008. Learn about the Act and how it affects students by reading
this bookmark |
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Textbook Savings Guide - Students and their families continue to look for ways to save money on college-related expenses given the high cost of tuition at schools of higher learning. As textbooks have become a significant investment each semester, the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is offering the following tips to save on these items |
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On Your SYDE Champ's Cents Savvy for Kids
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On Your SYDE Back To School Savings Tips
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On Your SYDE General Savings and Cost Cutting Tips |
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On Your SYDE Grocery Shopping Tips
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On Your SYDE Gas Savings Tips
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On Your SYDE At Home Food Prep Tips
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On Your SYDE Household Savings Tips
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On Your SYDE Summer Tips |
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Consumer Tips for Online Shopping - Tips and advice to help ensure that transactions you make online
are safe and secure |
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Gasoline Prices - Offering New Yorkers some suggestions on how to maximize your money and save at
the gas pump |
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Jewelry Buyer's Guide -
Whether it is Valentine's Day, Graduation, a Birthday, Wedding Anniversary
or time to pop the BIG question, jewelry may be the perfect gift for your
loved-one or friend. The NYS Consumer Protection Board (CPB) is pleased to
provide you with these important tips to follow before making a jewelry purchase |
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Online Auctions - Internet auctions are
becoming the most popular way to shop online - This guide is designed to show
you how to get the most out of your internet auction experience |
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Tips for the Wise Consumer - How to be an
informed and empowered consumer
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Utility Services |
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A Consumer Guide to Telephone
Services - Rapid change in the telecommunications industry provides
opportunity for consumers to benefit from new telephone service. This
guide provides an overview of telephone service options
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Choosing a Wireless Phone Plan
- Questions to ask when choosing a wireless phone plan
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Consumer tips concerning door-to-door marketing of energy services - Read
this brochure if you are considering obtaining electricity and/or natural gas
from a supplier other than your utility |
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Digital TV Transition - Learn about the digital television (DTV)
transition set to happen on June 12, 2009 and how it affects you
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Get the Picture: Television Technology - Each television type has benefits and limitations.
Learn what they are in this CPB brochure
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Home Heating with Oil and Propane - This brochure
provides plain-language information to assist consumers in shopping for heating
oil and propane, helps consumers reduce their home heating bills, and increases
awareness of New York State programs to encourage conservation and assist
low-income consumers with their heating bills |
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Fact Sheet
Regarding National Grid and KeySpan Merger - This fact sheet summarizes the
merger between National Grid and KeySpan and explains its impact on customers of
all of the affected utilities in New York State |
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