THE OFFICE OF NEW MEXICO ATTORNEY GENERAL HECTOR BALDERAS IS THE FIRST IN THE NATION TO GET A GRANT TO HELP FIGHT IDENTITY THEFT. THE 50-THOUSAND DOLLARS COMES FROM THE NATIONAL IDENTITY THEFT ASSISTANCE NETWORK, OR “NIT-VAN.” THE A-G’S OFFICE SAYS THE MONEY WILL HELP SET UP A COALITION OF GROUPS WHO WORK TO PROTECT THE STATE’S RESIDENTS FROM I-D THEFT AND PROVIDE OUTREACH TO VICTIMS.
NO TAX-PAYER DOLLARS ARE INVOLVED HERE AS ALL THE FUNDS COME FROM FINES AND PENALTIES COLLECTED FROM CRIMINAL OFFENDERS.
