Huge identity theft uncovered

[bonkers325]

Key personal data belonging to hundreds of individuals have been shared in an Internet chat room, in what one expert says could become one of the largest identity theft cases ever. The data include Social Security numbers, driver?s license numbers, date of birth and credit card information ? everything a criminal would need to open an online bank account, apply for a credit card, even create the paperwork necessary to smuggle illegal immigrants. It is still unclear how the data ended up in the chat room, but an MSNBC.com investigation has revealed common threads among the victims ? including the purchase of a cell phone online from VerizonWireless.com or an AT&T Wireless reseller.

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[hoihtah]

dag... this is a big bummer... eh?

 

[gittyup]

That's gotta suck. Feel sorry for the folks that are gonna get their credit screwed by these aholes.

 

[bacillus]

thank goodness I didn't get my cellphone from there! :Q

 

[rudder]

you would be surprised how loose people are with their social security numbers. I got in a fight with a clerk at the video rental store cause they would not give me a membership unless I gave them my SSN. I told them it was illegal for them to ask for it. I won and got my membership. But many people are careless and put it on their checks and have it on thier drivers license. Thats the easiest way for someone to steal your identity. Give them your social along with your address.

Luckily my credit is so screwed up, if someone did steal my identity I would tell them that they will not be able to visit 20 of our states.

 

[MrBond]

No kidding...when my grandmother went into the nursing home, my Dad gave them her SS card so they could make a copy. They LOST it. ( won't even get into the subpar care she recieves and their massive incompentence) I'm sure they don't incinerate garbage...so anyone who decides to dumpster dive could get her number, and with a little work, steal her identity. Her credit isn't a problem (she has none), but they could re-route her SS checks and cash them. I told my parents to be on the lookout for anything suspicesous...