Treyger Wants DOT To Notify Cardholders Of Muni Meter Security Breaches

The following is a press release from the offices of Councilman Mark Treyger:

In response to reported incidents involving suspected identity theft at Muni Meters in Brooklyn earlier this year and to better protect the public moving forward, Council Member Mark Treyger introduced legislation today requiring the Department of Transportation to notify cardholders in writing following incidents of security breaches. Under the proposal, the DOT must provide written notification to all affected individuals within ten days after a Muni Meter machine has been compromised and credit or debit card information has been stolen from the system. In addition, the DOT would also be required to post information about the breach on its website.

“Having your identity or personal banking information stolen can lead to costly unauthorized charges, headaches and serious financial issues for victims, and it is clear this problem is on the rise in New York City. I have long been concerned with the lack of urgency on behalf of agencies like the DOT and MTA, and with their failure to take proactive steps to protect the public and inform customers when an incident does occur. The public has a right to know when a machine has been compromised, and the DOT has an obligation to better inform residents that their information might have been stolen,” said Council Member Treyger.

Council Member Treyger has been pushing for greater public notification of breaches and other security concerns by the DOT and other agencies including the MTA since before taking office in January. He publicly called on the MTA and DOT in April to take greater precautions to protect the public and better secure its vending machines after reported instances of card skimming devices and hidden cameras found at stations including 59th Street Columbus Circle. In addition, the NYPD reported in June that Muni Meters along Kings Highway in Brooklyn were targeted by criminals. At that time, the 61st Precinct investigated at least three incidents of people reporting that their credit cards were compromised after using local Muni Meters.

The legislation was introduced at today’s City Council Stated meeting and referred to the Committee on Transportation for review and hearings.