Identity Theft Scandals Also Have Shaken The Credit Industry
by Cynthia Bercowetz
Bloomfield, CT  06002   June 9 2005
 
In 2002, an employee of Teledata Communications Inc. of New York, a company that created software to allow companies to access consumer credit reports apparently sold information on individuals to a ring of thieves for $60 a pop. The net result was that an estimated 30,000 people had problems with their credit reports.

In 2003, the industry was rocked by two scandals. One involved an H&R Block office manager who was stealing clients’ information and opening new credit card accounts with it. The second and bigger scandal involved computer hijackers who broke into Data Processors International of Omaha, Neb. and stole an estimated 8 million credit card numbers.

In 2004, hackers attacked BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. and an undisclosed number of credit card accounts were stolen. It was also revealed in 2004 that Arkansas-based Axiom suffered two breaches of its database to hackers who stole credit information.

In 2005, a company, which has purchased and collected 19 billion records on consumers over the years said that 146,000 people would be affected because it failed to detect a ring of thieves who opened accounts to mine the company’s information for a year. Law enforcement officials said it is more like 500,000 people.

This is the biggest danger the credit system in America faces as ID theft grows and casts costs doubt on credit report security. Experts in computer fraud and business trends state that the credit reporting industry must change or become obsolete.

For consumer tips on scandals, read "Don’t Get Ripped Off! Get Help! Tell it to George".

Author Cynthia Bercowetz reveals how the little guy can outsmart the above con artists. You are not alone in today’s marketplace. You can read this book or write to author Cynthia Bercowetz for advice so you don’t get ripped off! Purchase the book on Amazon, or Wash Brook Press, Cynthia Bercowetz, 22 Oak Lane, Bloomfield, CT 06002. America
 
Cynthia Bercowetz (consumreye@aol.com)
Author/Consumer Advocate
22 Oak Lane
Bloomfield, CT   06002
Phone : 860-243-2208

 

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