Have you been the victim of identity theft online? - Mike Fruchter

I've been hit once. Had to close out all my bank accounts and re-open new ones. Happened right when I needed to pay rent, too: you're generally protected by your banks and credit card companies against identity theft, but it's such a pain in the butt to get everything straightened out after you've been compromised. Wouldn't wish it on anyone. - Mark Trapp

Mark, some years back I fell for a phishing email. Lucky I noticed it in time and was able to change my passwords before any damage was done. - Mike Fruchter

Has anyone else been the victim of online identity theft? If so what were the consequences? - Mike Fruchter

I got all the way through to a form from an email asking me to confirm my info for Paypal because they had identified "suspicious activity." Paused when the form asked for my Social Insurance Number and only then checked the URL- sure enough, I'd almost been phished. Everything looked so legitimate. I like to think I'm pretty tech-savvy... made me understand for the first time how so many people get caught by those scams. - Daniel Smith

Good piece Mike - Charlie Anzman

A few months back, one of my cards was used to buy about 8K worth of home theater equipment at a BestBuy. I had not lost any of my cards, so it was either some waiter who swiped it or somehow it got intercepted online. Canceled the card and was fine. A bit freaky knowing someone is knowingly stealing. - Caleb Elston

Mike, let me snort you site :)- - Peter Dawson

I have had my MasterCard (card number and info was somehow stolen from a site that I purchased software from) used to make (real or fake I am not sure) multiple purchases from a Petuluma based hydroponics store (again real or fake I am not sure) to the tune of $13000. MasterCard cancelled the card and covered the loss (I am upset though that I had to tell them about the charges -- I thought they should have spotted the repeated suspicious charges much earlier) - Brian Sullivan

Well said Mike. - Steve Spalding

heres a typical post "In order to be prepared for the smart card upgrade on Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards and to avoid problems with our ATM services, we have recently introduced additional security measures and upgraded our software. The security upgrade will be effective immediately and requires our customers to update their ATM card information. Please update your information by following the link given below. " <sniped Malcious Link> :)- The more we build the FW , the harder they (Balckhats) PUSH the wall !! - Peter Dawson

great post...i have had it happen to me once for like 30 bucks so nothing crazy like you hear but just the thought when it happens is never fun. - (jeff)isageek

http://youtube.com/watch... and http://youtube.com/watch... - while many of these scammers feel more comfortable and anonymous on the internet, making it a bit easier, always remember that the internet is not the only place this occurs. See these videos on card readers.. you'll think twice before you hand over your credit card to your waiter or waitress or using an atm. - Tim Hoeck

"IRC is social networking for cyber criminals" is a bit of a blanket and exacting statement. Incredibly misleading. A good article, otherwise. - Michael W. May

I have been the victim of identity theft in the real world, but not online... yet. - Antoine Bertier

Wow these are some pretty shocking experiences. Thanks for sharing them. - Mike Fruchter

Mike, while doing some work with AML (anti $$ Laundry) and the fraud div of a major financial entiry, we think the hotest zone lies in the .RU sectors and also their eixiting business in the north americas. Most of the Strip clubs are being run and managed by such East Bloc Countries. I sincerly advise each and every1 reading this thread NEVER to use your CC in a strip club !! - Peter Dawson

Peter, that is very interesting and not surprising at all. These organized criminal entities specifically in the European sector dabble extensively with breeched cc data, child smuggling, drugs. They are truly a one stop shop for for fraud. We currently have a tremendous problem with Romania. Russia still on our list, but has taken a back seat too Romania and South East Asia. Africa comes in third on that list. - Mike Fruchter

Lesson learned, I will never use my credit card in a strip club in the EU.:) - Mike Fruchter

My AMEX account has been compromised twice, but AMEX has a policy not to disclose any information about the case, so I have no idea whether it was due to online use or not. - jcunwired

Jody, I would check your computer for any type of malware if your card keeps getting breached. - Mike Fruchter

" credit card in a strip club in the EU.:) " - While at it, NEVER use your CC at an ATM in the Subway /Local Mass transit systems. Each zone between subway is handle by gangs that do everything from rigging the ATM to actually snatching handbags.. Its oganized to such an extent that even before you local cops get to you (20--30Min), you CC is comprised to the tune of $5K or more.. thats the nature of biz. Romania, Bulgaria,Hungary,Czechoslovakia, Russia, Yugoslavia, Albania ... I can go on !! - Peter Dawson

@Brian, Amex in my opinion has the best fraud prevention team. I am kind of shocked no flags were raised with Master card for the amount of charges they hit your card for. - Mike Fruchter

A must see - Dateline NBC - To catch an id thief. http://www.youtube.com/watch... - Mike Fruchter

@Michael, thanks. How is it misleading? - Mike Fruchter