The Catskill Chronicle

NEW YORK STATE (November 15, 2013) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently signed three bills that will help protect consumers from unsolicited mailings and fraud and ensure motorcycle owners are informed of laws regarding their new motorcycles.

“ … I am pleased to sign these three bills to put in place new protections for New York’s consumers,” Governor Cuomo said. “The state is doing all it can to ensure that the finances and possessions of New Yorkers are guarded against fraud and greed. We are taking action to make sure that credit card holders are not held responsible when they are the victims of financial fraud. In addition, we are requiring unsolicited advertisements to be marked so that consumers are not tricked into deceptive and fraudulent agreements. Finally, New York is providing motorcycle owners with critical information about registration and state laws to prevent the wrongful seizure of their bikes. I thank the bill sponsors for their hard work on these bills on behalf of the state’s consumers.”

The first bill (A3601/S4301) signed by the Governor today would protect consumers from liability for unauthorized use of unsolicited convenience checks. These convenience checks, often mailed by credit card companies to account holders, are easy targets for unauthorized users looking to commit fraud. The law now holds cardholders harmless for unauthorized use of unsolicited convenience checks associated with their account.

The second bill (A309-A/S777-A) signed will require that offers by mail for the sale of monuments or memorials be clearly marked “SOLICITATION” in large boldface type at the top of any mailing unless the solicitation has been requested by the recipient. Following the death of a family member, individuals often receive many unsolicited offers for sale of monuments and memorials. This new law will allow families to distinguish unsolicited offers from information they have requested. Those who violate the law will be subject to civil penalties of up to $500 for a first violation and up to $1,000 for subsequent violations.

The third bill (A3598/S97) signed will ensure motorcycle owners are informed of the laws regarding unidentifiable motor vehicle parts at the time they register their motorcycles. There have been instances where motorcycles have been seized from innocent owners on the grounds that identification numbers on motorcycles or motorcycle parts have been altered, defaced or removed. This bill is intended to ensure that motorcycle owners are aware of the laws governing unidentifiable motorcycle parts at the time they register their motorcycles.