In what is considered the biggest event of hacking and identity theft ever prosecuted by the Department of Justice, twelve members of an international network of credit fraud were indicted today for the theft and sale of more than 40 million credit card numbers and debit. According to federal authorities, three of the defendants hacked into wireless computer networks of nine retailers, including Barnes and Noble, Office Max, Marshall, T.J.Maxx, BJ Wholesale Club and Sports Authority. They then installed a software designed to store credit card numbers, passwords and other account information. The stolen information was then sold to other identity thieves, who used the credit card numbers and debit to withdraw money from the accounts of victims.
Three of the accused were also charged in May, allegedly have run a similar program to capture credit card numbers and debit eleven or more Dave and Buster restaurants.
If you are concerned about becoming a victim of identity theft, we recommend that you consider taking out a protection service against identity theft.