TJMaxx computer system intruders who stole 45.7 million credit cards siphoned off customer data using a program they implanted on the company’s servers, recent regulatory filings reveal.
identity theft
Most Likely Site of Credit Card Theft: Restaurants
By 3.30.07
Visa reports that more credit card information is stolen at restaurants than at any other type of business. 40% of all credit card information theft is traced back to restaurants. But don’t blame your waiter!
45.7 Million Credit Cards Stolen In TJMaxx Breaches
By 3.29.07
45.7 million credit cards were stolen in recently disclosed security breaches at TJMaxx, regulatory filings revealed yesterday.
WaMu Unstrands Credit Card Theft Victim
By 3.16.07
Marty, the traveler stranded overseas after his credit cards were stolen and Washington Mutual refused to help him, has a happy update to his blog. The morning after he posted his blog entry, Rosie from WaMu Executive Customer Service called him. She apologized profusely for the poor level of customer service and stepped in to resolve his problem with speed. WaMu removed all the fraudulent charges, save 29 cents.
Two Years Later, WaMu Unable To 'Integrate' Acquired Card Division's Support System
By 3.12.07
Here’s some insight into why WaMu was screwing Marty so hard last week when he had his credit cards stolen overseas. If you recall, Marty canceled all his cards but still saw $5800 in fraudulent charges rung up on his WaMu card. When he called, WaMu was most unhelpful, refusing to help him as the “Consumer Lending Department” was closed for the weekend.
WaMu Screws Customer Stranded Overseas After Credit Cards Stolen
By 3.9.07
Marty was stranded in Greece after his credit cards got stolen on the metro. He called WaMu to cancel his cards and then when he tried to confirm they were closed, he got transferred from department to department. In the meantime, thieves continued to run his bill up to $5800. Marty’s cellphone minutes continued to drain. No one could help him because the Consumer Lending Department “was closed over the weekend.” WaMu must believe that identity theft is only committed during the weekday.
Debit Card Stolen, How Much Are You Liable For?
By 3.9.07
Federal law limits your liability to $50 if your credit card is stolen, but what about your debit card? It all depends on how fast you report it; the sooner the better, and if you wait too long, you’re totally screwed.
12 Steps To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
By 3.7.07
AllFinancialMatters posted 12 steps to protecting yourself from the threat of identity theft. We like 1 and 4 in particular, which have to do with how much information you put on the checks you order.
Social Security Numbers Revealed Online In Public Documents
By 2.23.07
Over and over again, consumers are told to protect their social security number. It gets to the point where you feel like if you get your identity stolen, it’s your fault. But how well can you do if the companies you’re forced to hand over your private information to as a contingency for doing business with have lax security?
Identity Thieves Steal For Peanuts… Literally
By 2.18.07
In some twisted way, it makes sense when a criminal steals your identity to rip you off for thousands of dollars. You might call that normal crook behavior. But these days identity thieves, who now range from far-flung organized crime rings to local drug addicts, are also using your identity for the basics, such as groceries.
Identity Theft Tops FTC's List Of Top Consumer Complaints For Seventh Straight Year
By 2.7.07
The FTC issued its annual list of top consumer complaints, with identity theft far outpacing all other categories.
Presidential Proclamation: It's Consumer Protection Week
By 2.5.07
During National Consumer Protection Week, citizens are urged to learn more about the risks of fraud and identity theft and take precautions to protect themselves from these crimes.
Part 3: I Was A Cybercrook For The FBI
By 2.1.07
Part 3 of Dave Thomas’ story of working as a cybercriminal for the FBI story is up on Wired, The Boards Come Crashing Down.
I Was A Cybercrook For The FBI
By 1.31.07
Parts 2 and 3 of the Dave Thomas Cybercrook story are up on Wired. The excellent report by Kim Zeter, two years in the making, offers a fascinating insight into the world of identity thieves, credit card scammers, phishers and all sorts of electronic fraud. Follow along as Dave transitions from petty thief, to cyber-crime master under the name “”El Mariachi” and with a James Cagney online avatar, to informant on the noose for the feds.
Protect Yourself From Purse Thieves At The Gas Station
By 1.31.07
To protect yourself, Sheriff Ken Jenne of Broward County, Florida offers common sense advice like
T.J. Maxx Gets Class Actioned For Credit Card Breach
By 1.30.07
A class action lawsuit was filed yesterday against TJ Maxx for allowing millions of customer’s credit cards to be stolen in a Jan. 17. security breach.
