Information Security News: Man Fueled ID Theft Scheme With Dumpster Diving

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://cbs13.com/local/identity.theft.scheme.2.1066693.html

By Ron Jones
CBS 13
Jun 30, 2009

Police have arrested a man who allegedly admitted to stealing the 
identities of more than 500 people by going through the trash of local 
banks and businesses.

The criminal complaint filed against 30-year-old suspect Jonah Nelson 
claims that he made more than 1,000 fake ID cards that he used to rip 
off people, stores and banks. Nelson also allegedly admitted to stealing 
the identities of more than 500 people all across Northern California, 
ranging from the Bay Area to the Central Valley.

Federal agents say Nelson said it was easy to find new victims: All he 
needed to do was visit a local bank and search their dumpsters.

Using the sensitive materials he found in the trash, Nelson was able to 
use a computer to mock up fake identification cards and blank checks, 
according to authorities. Nelson allegedly confessed to stealing between 
one to two million dollars in cash and merchandise.

CBS13 was able to find processed deposit slips and junk mail with full 
names and addresses in the garbage of a local bank.

[...]


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