Delaware Men Indicted on 'Phishing' & ID Theft
Mark Herpel
October 23, 2006
It was nice to see Federal Prosecutors unseal an 18-count indictment on two Delaware men now facing 'phishing' and identity theft charges!
As often as I get those darn 'phishing' emails it seems almost a miracle to read about someone actually getting caught. Even though I try to never wish harm or bad things on others because of that "karma" deal, this article honestly did put a smile on my face.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Moskow the emails were fake PayPal messages (and one from Citizens Bank) and the stolen information was allegedly later used to make credit card purchases with the victims cards and funds. This is a classic 'phishing' operation and very common today on the Internet.
The indictment states there were at least seven victims (which means you know there were actually hundreds) and that the indicted men charged at least $1,000 on each card using the stolen information. The indictment also charges the men with wire fraud and attempted wire fraud for the fake e-mails. Both men have pled not guilty. That was no surprise.What did surprise me --the most-- is that the men are now face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine FOR EACH of the seven counts ($1,750,000 Million in fines) for the unauthorized use of a credit card and two counts of possession of at least 15 “unauthorized access devices” with intent to defraud. Plus some other charges adding up to 20 additional years in prison for wire fraud and attempted wire fraud and an additional 14 years in addition to any sentence for aggravated identity theft.
My Advice: Want to go phishing Fishing, buy a nice sporty pole, hooks and worms. Leave your laptop at home.
Additionally: Upgrade your Microsoft Internet Explorer to Version 7 (just out) which includes a built in 'Phishing' Filter or get the 'Anti-Phishing' toolbar Netcraft it is a very useful protection tool and free.
A very special Thanks to Sean O'Sullivan from Delawareonline.com for the inside scoop.
Mark Herpel
mgmt@gold-companies.com
As often as I get those darn 'phishing' emails it seems almost a miracle to read about someone actually getting caught. Even though I try to never wish harm or bad things on others because of that "karma" deal, this article honestly did put a smile on my face.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Moskow the emails were fake PayPal messages (and one from Citizens Bank) and the stolen information was allegedly later used to make credit card purchases with the victims cards and funds. This is a classic 'phishing' operation and very common today on the Internet.
The indictment states there were at least seven victims (which means you know there were actually hundreds) and that the indicted men charged at least $1,000 on each card using the stolen information. The indictment also charges the men with wire fraud and attempted wire fraud for the fake e-mails. Both men have pled not guilty. That was no surprise.What did surprise me --the most-- is that the men are now face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine FOR EACH of the seven counts ($1,750,000 Million in fines) for the unauthorized use of a credit card and two counts of possession of at least 15 “unauthorized access devices” with intent to defraud. Plus some other charges adding up to 20 additional years in prison for wire fraud and attempted wire fraud and an additional 14 years in addition to any sentence for aggravated identity theft.
My Advice: Want to go phishing Fishing, buy a nice sporty pole, hooks and worms. Leave your laptop at home.
Additionally: Upgrade your Microsoft Internet Explorer to Version 7 (just out) which includes a built in 'Phishing' Filter or get the 'Anti-Phishing' toolbar Netcraft it is a very useful protection tool and free.
A very special Thanks to Sean O'Sullivan from Delawareonline.com for the inside scoop.
Mark Herpel
mgmt@gold-companies.com
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