Major Data Breach Puts Millions At Risk

If the market meltdown, housing and bank crises weren't enough, U.S. consumers can now add the potential of massive credit and debit card fraud to the list financial concerns. A major processor of credit card transactions just disclosed its system had been hacked, putting millions of consumers at risk.

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The cyber-thieves went straight to the heart of one of the biggest and most respected credit and debit card processing companies in the country, Heartland Payment Systems of Princeton, N.J.

"It could be the largest breach ever," said cyber law attorney Andrew DeVore. "It would dwarf the largest prior breach."

Sources tell CBS News that hackers cracked Heartland's computers as far back as May of last year. But it wasn't until last week, after being alerted to suspicious activity by Visa and MasterCard, that the company uncovered malicious software in its system.

Heartland, which acts as a middle man between retailers and banks, processes 100 million transactions per month at an estimated 200,000 merchants nationwide - mainly gas stations, bars and restaurants.

The company says about it has alerted about 150,000 of them, but CBS News found several that didn't learn about the breach until we told them.

"I'm disappointed from that point of view that they wouldn't be up front and proactive. Because customers trust us to protect their records and they are the keeper of the record,'' said bar owner Peter O'Connell.

I think the release of information was a bit manipulative in the timing.

Security analyst Avivah Litan of Gartner GroupNow there are concerns the public company has downplayed the danger to untold millions of consumers.

"I think the release of information was a bit manipulative in the timing," said security analyst Avivah Litan of Gartner Group. "It was released on inauguration day, but the incident was known about for days before that."

The president of Heartland originally agreed to an interview with CBS News before canceling. We wanted to ask why the company's inauguration day in which it didn't even mention that millions of credit card numbers and expiration dates - the only information needed for fraud - were stolen.

Only today did Heartland say it doesn't know how many card numbers were compromised. It's only advice was for consumers to check their own statements to make sure they're not the latest victims of financial fraud.

Fake Stimulus Check Scam

The government hasn’t even voted on whether you might get another economic stimulus check, but the Department of Consumer Affairs says scam stimulus checks are hitting South Carolina mail boxes.

Consumer Affairs says the scam begins with a fake rebate check for $7000 and tells you to register for a secondary stimulus check. Investigators say not only will you be out any money you spend from the fake check, but you’ll give your personal information to the scammers who could steal your identity. Add to that, if you call the phone number, a message will try to sell you information on how to make money on foreclosures for fifty bucks.

Said Charles Ellison with the Department of Consumer Affairs, “They’re trying to sell you a packet of information to tell you how to make money on foreclosed homes. Making outrageous claims, government programs to buy foreclosed homes, things of that nature that are just completely bogus.“

If you receive this stimulus check scam, you should not try to cash the check. Instead report it to Consumer Affairs at (800) 922-7594.

Happy Holidays

Well the year is almost coming to a close and the holiday season is upon us. During this time it pay st obe extra vigilant while using your personal info. CBS News has had and excellent expose on Identity Theft in it's many forms if you missed it there links are a must see.

Your Id being sold online
Stolen Pictures
Medical Id Theft

Credit Card Theft

Yesterday's announcement of an unprecedented identity theft bust exposed just how difficult it is to protect commerce in the digital age.

The Justice Department charged 11 people with stealing more than 40 million credit card and debit card numbers.



This link leads to a series of reports on how difficult it's becoming to protect your personal info. As the holiday season approaches it's pays to be vigilant.

Notebook

Free 30 Min Internet Security Seminar

What You Should Know About Internet Security Before It’s Too Late



Listen Now!!

Holiday Alert_Freeze Your Credit

Hello again,
It's that time again with the holidays near and we're really busy rushing around shopping and looking foward to spending time with family and friends. Just be aware the crooks are out shopping too!!

Here's the latest and best stop gap measure you can take to offer maximum protection.

Credit "Freeze": New Weapon Vs. I.D. Theft

A Good First Step? What Do You Think??

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bipartisan bill that would let victims of
identity theft seek restitution for money and time they spent repairing
their credit history was introduced on Tuesday in the Senate.

Read the whole article at
Id Theft Protection

Warning You Have Been Datamined!

Hello,
The holidays are approaching and the scam and con artists are getting redy to go shoppin too! There is a need to protect ourselves but balancing this while protecting our right to privacy is like walking a tightrope. What do you think?



Hundreds of millions are affected each day with little or no control of their destiny.


Datamining Warning

Beware Of The Frog!!??

Hello again,
This is hot news for you or anyone you know is online this is a must read before you login again!!


Beware of the frog11

Tips for Fake Check Scams from the National Fraud Information Center

Tips for Recognizing and Avoiding Fake Check Scams

If someone you don’t know wants to pay you by check but wants you to wire some of the money back, beware! It’s a scam that could cost you thousands of dollars.




Read More Here

Veterans At Risk

Attention:
The risk is real and the cost is dire and I can truly feel the pain of eveyone exposed to this threat. However this is an unusual type of attack because it's like a boomerang or cancer it keeps coming back. In a few previous stories I mention the children. If their records are compromised they will endure problems for the next 60 or more yrs. This also includes prosecution,jail time, credit problems,court costs,litigation,investigation, bankruptcy all costing tax dollars and personal losses. Something must be done.


Veterans At Risk

Immigration Bust at BMW-Seven Illegal Aliens Arrested

Hello, I have to get the word out on this was a local news story which will have a national reach and your children are in danger too!!

Read More Here

Watch Out For Credit Card Skimming

Most people would never hand over their credit cards to strangers, but many do every time they eat at a restaurant when they pay for their meal.


Find Out More Now!!

Microsoft Refunds XBox LIVE User for Fraudulent Activity

A number of people whose children use X-Box Live have had their back accounts violated.

Read More Here

Beware During The Tax Crunch!!

Hello,
This is a late breaking story please read now!!

Tax Time Scams

New for 2007

Hi Again,
We do a number of posts during the year and reading them is fine . However there is an old saying a picture is worth a thousand words. So now from time to time we'll present scammers in action . Here is one sure to get your interest.

T.J. Maxx hack exposes consumer data

Hi Everyone,
This particular story has been flying low and under the radar for months now so please be aware.


Read More Now

'An Identity Theft Waiting To Happen'

US Top Reporters Are Wary

Meatpacker: Immigration Raids Were Show

What A Surprise

Do You Have Children In School

Hello everyone,

I wrote about this problem awhile ago but the word is not getting out and here is a prime example that happened in the local area.If you have a child in school you need to check this out and help spread the word to your local school boards.


Schoolboard Snafu