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Scammers Seeking To Exploit Boston Globe Security Breach

February 9, 2006

• Internet Providers Admit to Monitoring Customers' Web Surfing • Big Brother Hitching A Ride in California? • GAO: Government Can Do More to Protect Personal Data • US Search Agrees to Stop Selling Private Credit Data • TSA Site Left Passenger Data Exposed To ID Theft • Connecticut Governor Wants 'Opt Out' For Online Directories • Verizon Gave Customer Data To Government Without Court Orders • House Democrats Probe Warrantless Surveillance --- • More Privacy News ...

You might say it's a security breach on top of a security breach. The Massachusetts Attorney General Office says scammers are trying to steal consumers' identities by pretending to warn them about the recent Boston Globe security breach.

The newspaper reported that it had inadvertently used computer paper containing the names and confidential credit card and bank card account information of Boston Globe and Worcester Telegram & Gazette subscribers as wrapping for Boston Globe newspapers delivered to the Worcester area.

"We have learned that some Massachusetts consumers have received a telephone call from a company calling itself National Verification Office," said Attorney General Tom Reilly.

"The caller asks the consumer to provide the credit card or bank card information the consumer used to pay his or her Boston Globe or Worcester Telegram & Gazette subscription."

With that information, the scammer can then steal the consumer's identity.

The Globe has established both a hotline and a web site for consumers to learn whether their information has been released, and has posted information on its web site -- www.boston.com -- concerning the steps consumers should take if their information was released. Reilly said consumers should not respond to any callers seeking to verify any personal financial information.

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