Celebrity Identity Theft Protection www.IDTheftSecurity.com

7 Aug 2007 · 2 min

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1:34

This content was created by Robert Siciliano. This content was uploaded by Robert Siciliano. This is a YouTube video titled "Celebrity Identity Theft Protection www.IDTheftSecurity.com" — a short CNBC "On the Money" news report (dated 2007-08-07) anchored by Margaret Brennan about a surge in identity theft targeting celebrities. The transcript is a news segment with multiple speakers (reporter/narration and commentators) describing how identity thieves targeted high-profile figures (mentions Paul Allen, Jennifer Lopez, Donovan McNabb, Oprah, Steven Spielberg, Tiger Woods), the arrests of Andre Holmes and Keanna McLaughlin in Philadelphia, and the methods used (mail redirection/change-of-address abuse, fake checks, online credit-card applications using stolen Social Security numbers). Content type: YOUTUBE; thumbnail and timestamp metadata provided.

Identity thieves hitting a new target. They're bleeding the rich and famous. Ah, some big names are on the victim list. Margaret Brennan's on the money.
The FBI has called it the fastest-growing crime in America. Identity theft costing Americans up to $50 billion a year. Victims in this latest scam range from Microsoft founder Paul Allen to pop star Jennifer Lopez and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. Philly police on the case. The ring was traced back to their home turf. Hundreds of stars were targeted. At least 17 were hit. In the past, Oprah's been scammed, Steven Spielberg, even Tiger Woods. They all know what it's like to have criminals steal their IDs, take credit card information, Social Security numbers, you name it.
Celebrities are targets because they have an awful lot of money and their information is readily available.
In Philly, Andre Holmes and Keanna McLaughlin under arrest. Police say they were successful because they were able to redirect stars' mail to their own home, giving them all the information they needed.
There's really no security in the change of address system.
The postal bandits then made fake checks and applied for credit cards online.
The process of applying for a credit card done online requires a name, address, and a Social Security number. From there, computers take over.
It's more proof that the rich and famous can hide behind locked gates and security teams, but they're just as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to identity theft. On the Money, Margaret Brennan, CNBC.