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ChoicePoint Data Stolen By Imposters

Posted by timothy on from the smarter-decisions-safer-world dept.

swight1701 writes "Criminals posing as legitimate businesses have accessed critical personal data stored by ChoicePoint Inc., a firm that maintains databases of background information on virtually every U.S. citizen. The incident involves a wide swath of consumer data, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, credit reports and other information. ChoicePoint notified between 30,000 and 35,000 consumers in California that their personal data may have been accessed by "unauthorized third parties." No obvious notice appears to be on their website."

11 of 381 comments (clear)

  1. I enjoy... by softspokenrevolution · · Score: 4, Funny

    I really enjoy how the graphic on the front page of their site reads: "Smarter decisions. Safer world."

    It's pretty silly.

    1. Re:I enjoy... by Koiu+Lpoi · · Score: 2, Funny

      Heh, yes. It also says they were 'featured' in the Washington Post not long ago. Seems they're going to get 'featured' again!

  2. Let me be the first to say, by Koiu+Lpoi · · Score: 2, Funny

    That's bad, isn't it. Yes, that's bad.

  3. poor credit score keeps me safe. by isbhod · · Score: 5, Funny

    My credit is so poor that stealing my identiy is only going to hurt them. I mean they think they are gettign a free ride, but when Rocko breaks down their door looking for past due payments boy will they be in for a suprise, hell this might be the best thing to ever happen to me!

    1. Re:poor credit score keeps me safe. by Landaras · · Score: 2, Funny

      Your post reminds me of what I tell my female friends.

      I am at a negative risk of contracting STDs. As in, not only is my likelihood non-existent, but the more time you spend around me, the more your likelihood of contracting anything goes down.

      Yes, I realize I am posting this with on Valentine's Day. I believe anyone who can't laugh at themselves needs to lighten up :).

      --
      My legal education, in nifty podcast format
  4. "Criminals posing as legitimate businesses" by toby · · Score: 5, Funny

    C'mon! Does every story on /. have to be about Micro$oft?

    --
    you had me at #!
  5. Re:Thats only what they are required to report by Koiu+Lpoi · · Score: 5, Funny

    I highly doubt they would refuse to report that data had been stolen from other states, just because they don't have do.

  6. Re:The real problem here isn't the break-in... by AndroidCat · · Score: 5, Funny

    They're only criminals because they didn't pay for their access, duh. ;)

    --
    One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
  7. defense? by Maskirovka · · Score: 4, Funny

    Apparently the only defense against this kind of thing is to have really bad credit.

  8. SSN is the real problem by havarv · · Score: 4, Funny

    The use of SSN as a PIN amazes me. The security relying way to much on the fact that no-one is suppose to have access to your SSN. If you get your SSN I can go say my wallet was stolen and you need to have new ID's made. Then get a stack of credit cards in your name. In a couple of days I'll be more you than you are. With so many people requesting to see you SSN in everyday life. This is a serious threat. My girlfriend was even asked to give up her SSN when she paid with a check at a grocery store because she was out of state.

  9. Re:if i *accidentally* ... by EEBaum · · Score: 3, Funny

    And if the punishing of that company for its negligence forces it out of business ... tough.

    So long as they don't have a "Going Out of Business" sale...

    --
    -- I prefer the term "karma escort."