The New York Times is reporting today that 11 people have been charged with stealing over 40 million credit and debit card numbers in what is being called “the largest identity-theft case ever prosecuted by the Justice Department.”

The authorities said that the scheme was spearheaded by a Miami man named Albert Gonzalez, who hacked into the computer systems of retailers including TJX, BJ’s Wholesale Club , OfficeMax, Boston Market, Barnes & Noble, Sports Authority, Forever 21 and DSW Inc.

Although this scheme hacked into major retailers, web sites displaying personal information are another target for identity thieves. These sites often list sensitive and personal data online where thieves can exploit it. ReputationDefender offers MyPrivacy, a service that removes your private information from the web and functions as a Global Do Not Call List. Sign up for MyPrivacy today and keep your personal data off the internet for only $4.95/ month.

Bookmark It