If ever there were living proof that identity theft can strike the mighty and powerful as well as hapless consumers, look no further than the nation’s chief banker: Ben Bernanke. The Federal Reserve Board chairman was one of hundreds of victims of an elaborate identity-fraud ring, headed by a convicted scam artist known as “Big…
Tentative settlement between govt and FL on sale of DMV records
The Associated Press is reporting that Florida Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet have agreed to pay the federal government $1.5 million to settle charges that the state violated motorists’ privacy by selling their personal information in motor vehicle records to businesses during the period June 1, 2000 to September 30, 2004. The legislature…
Personal spy gear: Is it ethical? Is it legal?
… while it’s easy to find and buy surveillance devices, is it legal and/or ethical to use them? Is it okay if you use them to watch over strangers? Is it reasonable to use them to watch and hear family members and loved ones? The answers can sometimes be murky. “There are definitely legalities to…
Project Honey Pot sues spammers
A legal firm working for Project Honey Pot has filed a blanket lawsuit against the “John Does” who commit fraud and steal money via spam. The lawsuit (PDF), which was filed in Virginia’s Eastern District court, seeks damages against unknown spammers, including $100 for every message that contains false or misleading information. The suit is…