(August 19, 2008)

Q - Are those who steal identities ever caught and get their just reward?

A- Yes, Great news. Eleven people from at least five different countries are facing charges for their involvement in a wide-ranging scheme. Seems they hacked into nine US companies and obtained and sold more than 40 million credit and debit card numbers. The federal agencies involved claimed this is the single largest and most complex identity theft case that's ever been charged in this country. Three of the defendants are US citizens, one is from Estonia, three are from the Ukraine, two are from China, and one is from Belarus.

Part of the scheme came to the public's attention in early 2007, when retailers T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and other stores announced that it had discovered that credit and debit card information had been stolen from its computer systems.

Full story at-

http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/August/08-ag-689.html

Progress is being made. Several months ago nine Nigerians were extradited to the US to face federal charges relating to identity theft.

Q-What is our scam of the week?

Your Bureau receives many calls on automotive warranty companies. You know-they are the ones that send you post cards, letters and call you to try and sell you an extended service contract on your car. Check these companies out carefully. Check with whatever shop does your auto repair work to see if it accepts the proposed warranty plan.

One questionable company soliciting locally via post card is Dealer Warranty Services of Missouri. They have an unsatisfactory report with the BBB and the Missouri Attorney General has filed suit against the company. Allegedly the company was using misleading notification letters to pressure, confuse and intimidate consumers into purchasing motor vehicle extended service contracts they did not need.

Full report at:

http://stlouis.bbb.org/WWWRoot/Report.aspx?site=142&bbb=0734&firm=310036859