Chain Store Credit Card Hacking And Identity Theft In New Jersey
Criminals using sophisticated malware were able to obtain over 2.5 million credit cards used at several Michaels stores, including the Mays Landing, New Jersey location, between May 8, 2013 and Jan. 27, 2014. An information security breach might have established the parameters for the perpetrators to gain access.
Michaels’ subsidiary, Aaron Brothers (no current locations in New Jersey), was also affected between June 26, 2013 and Feb. 27, 2014, with 400,000 cards being hacked.
The store disclosed the breach to its customers in January. Two independent security firms then unearthed the malware. The type of malware used in these attacks was previously unknown to the security firms.
The investigation ascertained that the attack was limited to the credit card number and expiration date only. No additional personal information was obtained.
Michaels is offering free identity protection, credit monitoring services and fraud assistance for 12 months to any affected Michaels/Aaron Brothers customers in the United States. Additional info can be found here, or call 1-877-412-7145.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is covered by the Wrongful Impersonation statute, which makes it an offense to impersonate another, assume a false identity, or obtain personally identifying information pertaining to another person and use that information or assist another in using that information to obtain benefit, services or attempt to avoid prosecution for a crime buy using the name of the other person. New Jersey’s Wrongful Impersonation ranges from a Disorderly Person’s offense to a crime of the 2nd degree in cases where five or more identities have been used to obtain benefit or service in the amount of $75,000 or more. (Source: http://www.njsp.org/tech/identity.html)
Types of identity theft crime can include:
- ATM/Debit/Credit Cards
- Fraudulent Change of Address
- Social Security Number Fraud
- Drivers License Fraud
- Passport Fraud