Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics legislation signed into law this week by Gov. Kathy Hochul will allow state officials and law enforcement to consider identity theft as a form of elder abuse when older people are victimized. The measure adds identity theft and other fraud-related crimes to the state's formal definition of elder abuse and exploitation. "The fact that older New Yorkers are often the target of identity theft is unconscionable," Hochul said. "...Older New Yorkers have been there for us, and as the nation's first age friendly state I'm proud that New York continues to lead the way to be there for them." The new law also requires that identity theft be one form of elder abuse tracked by the state Office of the Aging as well as law enforcement officials. The changes are meant to provide more protection for older New Yorkers from fraud, such as when a person's social security number, driver's license information, or bank or credit card account is used by an unauthorized person. The measure was sponsored by Assemblyperson Catalina Cruz and state Sen. Rachel May. May said, "This simple change to our laws will open up state resources for people fighting this terrible crime. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill today to ensure [that] seniors have more protection against abuse." Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.