Feds uncover international credit fraud ring

Posted by Caitlin on August 5th, 2008

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In what is believed to be the largest hacking and identity theft case ever prosecuted by the Department of Justice, twelve members of an international credit fraud ring were indicted today for the theft and sale of more than 40 million credit and debit card numbers. According to federal authorities, three of the defendants hacked into the wireless computer networks of nine retailers, including Barnes and Noble, Office Max, Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sports Authority. They then installed software designed to record credit card numbers, passwords and other account information. The stolen information was then sold to other identity thieves, who used the credit and debit card numbers to withdraw cash from the victims’ accounts.

Three of the defendants were also indicted in May, allegedly having executed a similar scheme to capture credit and debit card numbers at eleven or more Dave and Buster’s restaurants.

If you are concerned about becoming a victim of identity theft, we recommend that you consider subscribing to an identity theft protection service.

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