Internet
Websites sell secret bank data and PINs
Tens of thousands of Britons’ financial details are sold on the internet
Security breaches that are allowing the financial details of tens of thousands of Britons to be sold on the internet are to be investigated by the country’s information watchdog.
Without paying a single penny, The Times downloaded banking information belonging to 32 people, including a High Court deputy judge and a managing director. The private account numbers, PINs and security codes were offered as tasters by illegal hacking sites in the hope that purchases would follow.
The discovery comes as public alarm is growing about the dangers of identity theft. HM Revenue & Customs has yet to retrieve two lost CDs containing the banking details of 25 million Britons, which ministers admitted had vanished in the post a fortnight ago. At current underworld prices, these could fetch more than £100 million if they fell into the hands of hackers.
Last year The Times discovered internet chatrooms where the hacked credit card details of 400 British people were being sold every day.
Hacking sites act as online bazaars for stolen personal information. They are well run, hierarchical groups structured like businesses. Some even have review sections where buyers can recommend a particular fraudster.
Stolen identities
Criminals use three main methods to extract personal information
- Viruses contained in e-mails that install malicious software to collect information such as login names, bank account details and credit card numbers. Make sure you use up-to-date antivirus software
- Handheld credit card readers are used to “skim” cards and copy data that is then used to clone another one. Check your accounts regulary for unusual transactions
- Bin raiders go through rubbish bins to find discarded bank statements and utility bills. Make sure that all personal documents are shredded before you throw them out
