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2007
Credit cards fraudster caught with 130 million credit card numbers
Tuesday August 18, 2009
In a break against the rising force that is credit cards scams and identity theft, the US Justice Department has arrested a man with the largest credit card theft in what the Department is calling the "largest alleged credit and debit card data breach ever charged in the United States."
Albert Gonzales, 28, of Miami, Florida along with two unnamed co-conspirators are accused of stealing over 130 million card numbers by hacking into the complex computer and data networks that act as the support system for major American retail and financial organisations.
It is alleged that since October 2006 Gonzales stole information on over 130 million credit and debit cards using advanced hacking skills to avoid firewalls and security systems in place. As a result of this alleged activity, Gonzales has been charged with conspiracy and conspiracy to engage in wire fraud with the maximum being 20 and 25 years respectively.
Credit cards scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated with advanced techniques being applied on every level of the credit card process from ATM skimmers to identity theft to hackers that attack at the information source.
Consumers and credit card users can remain vigilant against falling victim to such activities by being following a few basic security measures such as:
- Keeping your card on you at all times
- Check ATMs for skimmers before using them
- Don't share personal information
- Destroy any PINs that you receive in the mail
- Inform your provider immediately if any of your credit cards are lost or stolen
- Check your credit file often
- Use up-to-date protection
- Use secure passwords
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