Current Event Due Every Friday
1. Name, story title, link
2. Write a summary statement based on the author's point of view.
3. Write 4 facts that support the summary and point of view.
4. Formulate a prediction (reaching a conclusion; what will happen next) from the summary facts and point of views.
5. Background information/supporting details.
6. What did you understand from this story?
7. What is your opinion of this topic?
8. Write a specific question regarding this topic to generate a class discussion.
Jose Ortega, New Gears of War Novel Acts as 'Gears of War 3' Prequel, http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/08/24/gears-of-war-3-novel/
ReplyDeleteGears of war 3 comes out until April 2011, in the meantime “Gears of War: Anvil Gate” comes out later this month and it will bridge Gears of War 2 with Gears of War 3. This book will keep gamers busy until the game comes out. This article (as a lot of other blogs) show that Epic Games is coming out with a new book. This book focuses on Marcus Fenix and Braid Damon. This links the end of the game (Gears 2) as the last city, named Jacinto, is destroyed and leaves the COG and the rest of the survivors lost at sea. This book picks it up from there and explains how Marcus and Company made it to the ship that holds all the survivors. This is where the last game of the Trilogy begins.
“With the Locust Horde apparently destroyed, Jacinto's survivors have begun to rebuild human society on the Locusts' stronghold. Raiding pirate gangs take a toll—but it’s nothing that Marcus Fenix and the Gears can’t handle. Then the nightmare that they thought they’d left behind begins to stalk them again. Something far worse, something even the Locust dreaded, has emerged to spread across the planet, and not even this remote island haven is beyond its reach. Gears and Stranded must fight side by side to survive their deadliest enemy yet, falling back on the savage tactics of another bloody siege—Anvil Gate”.
It’s not unusual for Epic Games to use books to use as prequels to their Best-Seller series “Gears of War” they used it from Gears 1 to Gears 2 and it was not surprising for them to do it again. I think its great they fill their games with more stories and make the game a fuller experience. Do you think more game companies should follow Epic’s way and write books about their games?
Kira Chankersingh, ‘Did Microsoft Kill Xbox-Windows Cross-Platform Play?’, http://www.pcworld.com/article/201657/did_microsoft_kill_xboxwindows_crossplatform_play.html
ReplyDeleteMicrosoft currently runs two paths to online gaming, one is Xbox LIVE for the Xbox 360 console and the other is for PC. Microsoft’s intent was to create a mutual gaming environment where both console players and PC players could interact and play together. However, after testing the cross-platform play between the PC players and LIVE players Microsoft received results that PC players won every time. According to the author, the PC players won so much that Microsoft is debating on pulling the plug on cross-platform play because it would be “embarrassing” for the LIVE players. Therefore, it’s important to keep the two separate. Four Facts to support this opinion is that first, each online version has its strengths and weaknesses. Second, it’s important to keep the majority of consumers happy and if they are unsatisfied with cross-platform play, then it’s important to take that under consideration. Third, to develop software that can create an interaction field between a multitude of players between the PC’s and Xbox’s is expensive. Last, Microsoft is a well developed company that knows how to create online play enjoyable for their consumers. I predict from the evidence given in the article that Microsoft will in fact pull the plug because the cross-platform play will just become a frustrating and unfair playing field for those using Xbox LIVE. Apparently, in order to play good first-person shooter games a mouse and keyboard is the best deal due to the quicker response time and versatility. Thus, PC players will win every time and this creates animosity between the two online gaming versions. My opinion on this topic is that it is a valid subject to debate on but, I agree that they should pull the plug on cross-platform play because it creates and unlevel playing field between the two online types and that could create animosity. What in your opinion should Microsoft do to solve this debate?
Jason Weinberg, China Online Gaming Law Going Into Effect, http://www.ripten.com/2010/08/01/china-online-gaming-law-going-into-effect-dylan4422/
ReplyDeleteStarting August 1, China is going to limit the amount of time people spend playing online games. First, this is going into effect because numerous children are dying at rehabilitation centers for internet addiction. Second, this regulation is prohibiting minors to be targeted for games that have content representing illegal actions and violence. Third, gamers are now being required to use their legal names to register to play games. Finally, game developers will be required to set restrictions that limit the amount of time playing online games. I believe that carrying out such a plan will be near impossible and very controversial, with gamers protesting this regulation. The law aims to protect children from internet addiction. Gamers will be required to register for games using their legal names. Minors will be restricted on the amount of time they spend playing online games. I understand that violence and laziness has been trending upward in China and with these restrictions, the idea is to improve on the online community’s behavior and unhealthy tendencies. In my opinion, it is about time someone took initiative to reconstruct society in a progressive fashion. What will be the reactions to this action by the Chinese?
Chauncey Sims Jr.
ReplyDeletePer. 5
http://mashable.com/2010/04/13/south-korea-gaming-curfew/
The main idea of this article is simple gaming addiction in Korea. You see in Korea video gaming is taken very seriously. It’s kind of like the US and football. The main market for Korea isn’t in home consoles but game cafes. After several incidents including one where a Korean couple was arrested for starving their own child while feeding an virtual baby. As a result of these many incidents the Korean government is contemplating a gaming curfew beginning with children under 18. The plan is cutting off this age group from 12 midnight to 8am. The government believes this will help discontinue gaming addiction. Many online gaming companies are making curfews for top selling games.
I think its quite ridiculous that people are actually dying over video games. I see that self control is out the window. I honestly hope this curfew works because a baby dying over a virtual game is the dumbest thing ever.
What do you think about Gaming Addiction??
Alejandro Scoppetta
ReplyDeleteVideo Game Addiction
http://www.video-game-addiction.org/
Video gaming addiction is not yet able to be treated, though some people can't stop doing it. Mostly out of all the addicted people are teenagers and younger. Gaming has a really good real experience with good graphics, talk with other people online and make the games more time consuming. Meaning so they will take more time playing trying to achieve what they want. Just playing games does not mean that you are addicted and can't control your life. Though some other really are into it and can't control it.
1. Excessive gaming is not yet "official" but there is data showing that some people can't stop gaming.
2.Out of all the ages the one most common is pre-teens and and teenagers.
3. 10-15 percent of gamers do show that could be addicts.
4. Games have traits that make them more compulsive to keep playing.
If games get more, and more addicting more people will like to play and the percentages will rise.
Gaming lets players interact with other making it more addicting, with good graphics and realistic features.
What i understand from this is that people need to have control over their emotions and life.
I think that teens with all this technology are most in danger.
What can gaming do to someone's personal life?
Thomas Brady
ReplyDeleteTitle- World of Warcraft Arrestee Heading to Prison!
http://www.kokomoperspective.com/news/local_news/article_95907f9a-b7a4-11df-9388-001cc4c03286.html
Alfred Hightower pled guilty to a single count of Dealing in a Schedule IV Substance. He was sentenced on August 25 to about six years in the Indiana Department of Corrections. Hightower made national headlines in December 2009 when Howard County Sheriff’s Department deputy Matt Roberson located him through the popular World of Warcraft online game. Looking at Hightower’s’ World of Warcraft account Officer Roberson was able to collected his IP address, his account information and history, his billing address, and even his online screen name and preferred server. Alfred Hightower initially was charged with Dealing in a Schedule III Substance, dealing in a Schedule IV Substance, and two counts of Dealing in Marijuana. I understand the story is how police & US agents are learning & using new technology to track down criminals. After reading this article online I could on believe how easy it is for officers to get information on people using thing like gaming accounts. My Opinion on the article is that I think it is good police officers can track & catch criminals on the internet, but I think people should be more careful about what they post online. Do you think it is good for the police to track criminals over the internet or do you feel that this is an invasion of privacy?
Boycotting eBay? Here Are Three Alternatives
ReplyDeleteUsers protesting fee changes need not stop selling altogether
By Kimberly Palmer
Posted: February 11, 2008
Print
Share ThisRelated Articles
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After eBay announced pricing changes that translate into higher fees for items that sell but lower fees for those that don't, heavy users of the site quickly expressed their frustration.
"The [commission on sales] went up, way up. The five cents I will save on listing, which I pay whether the item sells or not, is not going to help at all," says Ann Harper, who sells 10 to 25 items per week from her home in Abbot Village, Maine. The changes also include getting rid of negative feedback for buyers, which sellers say creates an unfair, one-way relationship between buyers and sellers. Harper is participating in this week's boycott of the site, which sellers have organized to protest the changes.
But even those joining in the boycott need not lock up their (virtual) shops. "People are making sales on the alternative sites," says Bob Lee, founder of Power Sellers Unite. Here are three popular online alternatives and their fee structures:
1) Amazon Marketplace lets sellers list items that are already for sale through the website, such as books, DVDs, and household items. The fact that most items are already listed makes it easier for sellers, because they don't need to take their own photos or enter their own product descriptions. Amazon charges no fees unless products sell. Commission and closing fees vary by item. Books, for example, carry a 15 percent commission rate plus $2.35 in other fees.
Best for: casual sellers looking to unload old CD collections or slightly used books.
2) Bidville attracts all kinds of sellers, from those selling vintage Beanie Babies to cars to jewelry. It charges no listing fee for unsuccessful sales, and sellers pay 5 percent on items under $25 and between 1 and 2.5 percent on more expensive items, plus a low flat fee. Overstock Auctions offers a similar interface and fee structure.
Best for: sellers seeking an eBay-like experience.
3) Etsy.com features handmade products, including bath products, earrings, sweaters, and woodwork. Pomegranate soap goes for $4, and a pink and brown vintage apron for $24. Etsy.com charges 20 cents to list an item and a 3.5 percent flat sales fee, which means a $20 item will carry a 90 cent fee, excluding shipping costs.
Best for: crafty individuals looking to make money from their creations.
name- Jose Ortegs
ReplyDeleteTitle-Program Helps Retailers and Brands Activate Their Facebook Networks and Go Live by Black Friday
Link-http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/ShopIgniter-Introduces-Facebook-Store-for-the-Holidays-Program-1326132.htm
PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - September 28, 2010) - ShopIgniter, a provider of innovative social eCommerce solutions, today announced its "Facebook Store for the Holidays" program to help companies leverage their social networks to generate more revenue. Combining social eCommerce technology and fast track implementation, the program enables qualifying companies to go live with a Facebook store and social promotional tools just in time for the holiday season.
According to Nielson Company (April 2009), 90 percent of people trust recommendations of friends above and beyond any form of advertising. "We know a high percentage of companies recognize the value of having a Facebook presence," said Matt Compton, CEO of ShopIgniter. "However, they also want to see a direct impact on sales from their fan bases. We designed this quick start program so they can begin to generate revenue in the upcoming holiday season."
This article talks about how social networks are starting to used ads and open stores so they can make more money during the holyday season. I guess social networks deserve to make money because they do a great service for free!!!
Do you think this is a good thing or do you like facebook ad free?
Period 5
ReplyDeleteTeens and E-Commerce: Selling to the Teen Shopper
by James Maguire
May 22, 2006
When it comes to shopping online, teenage users are a contradiction: Most teens don't have their own credit card, yet they love to shop online. (Which simply proves they have access to their parents' card).About 80 percent of online teens age 12-17 visit retail sites, according to ComScore. This represents an audience of between 12 to 15 million teen shoppers. For example, eBay saw 6.4 million teen users in April 2006, while Amazon saw 3.5 million and Apple saw 3 million. (In Apple's case, iTunes was surely the draw.) Another paradox about teens online or perhaps it's best described as a myth: Teens are not the super tech-savvy users they are popularly thought to be. According to popular conception, teens are far more adept at Internet use than adult users. We have an image of the totally plugged-in teen, instant messaging while cruising MySpace, downloading movies while listening to their iPod. But being constantly plugged doesn't mean teens are tech wizards, claims a study by the Nielsen Norman Group. While some teens are tech know-it-alls, they're the exception, says Hoa Loranger, one of the report's authors. To be sure, teens are much more comfortable with technology — they don't fear it as much as adults do. But if something doesn't work for a teen user, "they have much less patience, and that's why they can't overcome a lot of technological obstacles. If it doesn't work the way they expect, they just abandon the process."Furthermore, teens' research and reading skills haven't yet matured, she notes. Due to these factors, teens successfully complete online tasks less often (55 percent success rate) than adult users (66 percent success rate), based on the Nielsen study. Yet, however difficult it may be to reach these fickle consumers, they represent a potentially lucrative market. A Pew study in late 2004 estimated the total online teen audience, age 12-17, as 21 million. This first generation of users to have grown from infancy in the Internet age will surely be active online consumers in the years ahead. Balancing Hipness with Ease of Use
The Nielsen study watched teens in action. So it's based on actual teen behavior as opposed to surveys that teen users filled out about themselves. As researchers tracked teen Web usage, they discovered a conundrum: Teenagers are attracted to sites with a hip, cutting-edge look, yet they have difficulty with a complex design."The visual feel and visual design is very important to them. First impressions are very important," Loranger says. "They like cool graphics and they pay attention to the visual experience more than adults do." Teen users also need to be constantly engaged and entertained to keep their attention. "The common thing we heard over and over again is 'I'm bored,'" she says. But ultimately, they want to get something done. They're not like young children, who randomly scrub the screen with the mouse to see what pops up. Teens are more tasks specific."So when the visual design or the interaction design gets in the way of what they're trying to accomplish, then that really degrades the user experience for teens."Hip is good, but overly busy or complex is bad. "If the site is shouting for their attention and everything is dynamic and moving, it's a big turn-off for teens," says Loranger. So the primary Web design challenge for teens is to give a very easy-to-use design a very contemporary look. "While a cool visual design is important, you need to balance it with simple interaction because they won't spend the time to figure it out," she says.
Alvaro Campuzano
ReplyDelete9-30-10
Ebay bid for success
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/30/60II/main527542.shtml
I think I authors point of view is that Ebay as become a very successful auction company. Ebay is the world’s largest internet auction website.
Four facts that support the point of view are The Company sells a motorcycle every 18 minutes and an SUV every 30 minutes. As many as 150,000 people have literally given up their jobs to create their own businesses selling on eBay.
Laurie Liss and her mother, Darlene, armed with little more than a computer, a camera, and something to sell, built their own eBay business that is now selling $30,000 to $40,000 in goods a month.
"It's almost like the world's largest garage sale, even though for some people, they're selling used," says Laurie Liss. "We're selling new."
The backround information is the lure of a bargain, combined with the excitement of a Las Vegas gamble, is what brings in millions of Internet customers. The loyalty and enthusiasm of devoted eBay users all over the country is what has helped build eBay into the powerhouse it is today.
What I learned from this article was that eBay has become a very important money website.
That is very important to the American families today.
What would the American people do without eBay?
Chauncey Sims Jr.
ReplyDelete10-1-10
Ebay's Bid For Success
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/30/60II/main527542.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody
It's really amazing how far Eaby has come. Millions appn millions of people selling there valuables every single day. brilliant idea to come up with a system that requires no manual labor what so ever.The customer does all the work while the owner overlooks and maintains the website. The statistics don't lie eBay is doing well for themselves and as a customer I can say it s very well made and easy to use.
Only in the US can something so simple become so unique. eBay is a game changer the way people sell items. I wonder whats next?
Kira Chankersingh, "Digital River bags eCommerce agreement Freecom", http://ecommerce.cbronline.com/news/digital-river-bags-ecommerce-agreement-from-freecom_011010
ReplyDeleteDigital Rivers is an eCommerce offerings provider that has received an agreement from a manufacturer of hard drives and portable storage devices, Freecom, to manage Freecom's online sales. Digital Rivers will help Freecom expand their emarketing and hope to effective globa eCommerce operations. Due to increase in technology eCommerce is pivotal in having a succesful business. With Digital Rivers' assistance Freecom's publicity can increase. Also, emarketing can help increase a company's revenue and keep it up to date with what's new. I predict that with the help of Digital Rivers, Freecom will be able to advance in it's advertising methods and make more online sales due to the fact that many people use the internet. I understand now that eCommerce is important to a company and my opinion is that Freecome will increase revenue and become even more popular. Do you think that the internet and eCommerce helps grow a business?
Facebook & Amazon Connect in the Name of Social Shopping
ReplyDeleteFacebook and Amazon have combined forces in order to make shopping on the 'net just as social as it tends to be in the physical world.
By connecting their accounts, Amazon shoppers will now be able to bring their Facebook friends to Amazon. They'll see their Facebook profile photo on Amazon’s site, as well as which of their Facebook friends have upcoming birthdays.
Gift suggestions for these friends will automatically be made based on the music, books and movies they've stated they like on both the network and Amazon wish lists. Additionally, recommendations for what users might want to buy themselves will also be made.
This new alliance seems unnecessary in my opinion. If people wanted online shopping to be social, then they’d get out and go to a mall. This new “social shopping” just seems like another reason for people to stay indoors, rather than doing actual shopping. When people log onto Amazon, they don’t care what Bob is buying, they just want to buy their junk at a non-exorbitant price.
Does anyone find this new development practical?
http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/tag/3302/MMO-News.html
ReplyDeleteIf you're seeking info from the World of Warcraft "Dungeons and Raids" - BlizzCon 2010 Panel Wrap-Up, then look no further! It's the most wonderful time of the year! BlizzCon 2010 started with a Cataclysmic bang, and I'm here to give you updates straight from the hottest Warcraft panels. The "Dungeons and Raids" World of Warcraft panel, led by Cory Stockton, the lead content designer, and Scott Mercer, the lead encounter designer, explained a lot of the new philosophies behind the latest Cataclysm dungeons, Heroic additions and raids.
With the impending Cataclysm comes a variety of new Heroic dungeons for level 85 players, but there are two specific dungeons that Blizzard has spent considerable time on, and those are the revamps of the level 20 Dungeons: Shadowfang Keep and The Deadmines. These dungeons are extremely nostalgic for Horde and Alliance players alike, and Blizzard has updated them to make them fit in with the new Cataclysm storyline, and to position the climax of their respective zones in Silverpine Forest and Westfall. These two retooled dungeons will also have Heroic modes enabled for level 85 players, and feature new bosses and challenges for players trying the dungeon out in the new mode.
Do you think those who play World of Warcraft are going to spend even less time in the real world?
1. Raina Azarkhail, Business Identity Theft Scam Through Secretary of State, http://www.articlesonidentitytheft.com/identity-theft/business-identity-theft-scam-through-secretary-of-state
ReplyDelete2. The summary of this article is who is the ideal target for a scam – an individual or a business? The answer is a middle sized business, preferably one with 10 to 100 employees. Middle sized businesses tend to be extremely bad at watching their expenses. As a result, smaller rip-offs can occur without anyone really noticing. This scam takes advantage of the slack procedures of the Secretary of State. They’ve started filing forms indicating a change of the board of directors and officers of companies. They then get a certification from the Secretary of the State. The next step is to start opening credit card accounts, credit lines and applying for loans. Most states are reducing the hours and number of staff in their offices.
3. Most people think identity theft applies only to individuals, Middle sized businesses tend to be extremely bad at watching their expenses, Most filings are done by mail with no personal interaction, and Most states are reducing the hours and number of staff in their offices.
4. Identity theft will increase.
5. "Not only will this new scam not be countered, it should become more prevalent throughout the country. If you own a business, watch out for it. "
6. Many identity thieves target businesses.
7. My opinion of this topic is I'm scared because many thieves target businesses, and I would like to start my own business one day.
8. How can we reduce identity theft?
Raymona Washington
ReplyDeleteReference link: http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Russians-steal-Irish-mans-identity-in-Rhode-Island-107919989.html
Russians steal Irish man’s identity in Rhode Island
Man discovered theft via Facebook
The article is about a man who had his identity stolen by a couple living in New Jersey. The victim of the identity theft currently lives in Dublin, Ireland. He found out via Facebook.
Four facts from the article
1. The couple called themselves Fionghal and Olesya MacEoghan
2. They were arrested on Wednesday
3. Charged with fraud, false citizenship, identity theft and bank fraud
4. The victim filed a complaint with the Irish and Rhode Island police.
The people that stole the identity of the Dublin man will be deported back to there native country if they are not from the United State because they are being charged with identity theft. I understand that identity theft is a horrible crime and that it happens to so many people. I feel bad for the Dublin man’s identity that was stolen.
What can someone do to protect themselves from identity theft?
1. Javier Leiva
ReplyDeleteR.I. pair are accused of ID theft, bank fraud
http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2010/11/13/ri_pair_are_accused_of_id_theft_bank_fraud/
2. A couple living in Rhode Island used stolen information during the last 18 years to obtain passports, a mortgage for their house, and drivers’ licenses. The man and his wife were charged with identity theft, bank and passport fraud, and other crimes. The real MacOeghan found out through facebook that someone living in Rhode Island had his same name while he lived in Russia.
3. MacOeghan found out about the identity theft through facebook. Oleysa (identity theif) explained that she got the last name from her husband's father. They say that they too are Russian. Court Hearing is still being held for the fake MacOeghan.
4. Since Oleysa got away with only a 20,000 bond, I would think that the husband will get away with that much aswell and may be sued afterwards.
5. "The man is being held pending a hearing next week, and his wife was released on $20,000 bond after appearing Wednesday in US District Court."
6. I understand that a couple got away with identity theft for 18 years and bought stuff under some one else's name.
7. My opinion is that the U.S. government needs to step it up since the couple got away with identity theft for 18 years without being noticed while the true MacOeghan didn't even live in that country.
8. What can we do to stop identity theft?
"The Story of Bronti Kelly"
ReplyDeleteIdentity Thefy, The Story of Bronti Kelly
http://www.myidfix.com/identity-theft-stories.php
Basically the story tells a sad tale about a poor guy who gets his identity stolen by a thug. This poor soul trys to get a job and cant, little does he know that he cant get a job because of what the thug has done to his police record. As Bronti gets turned down again and again from managers he loses everything he owns and soon becomes one of the homeless. After a year of going through hell he gets help from a agency that is willing to clear his record and catch the criminal behind his troubles. After the police catch the criminal and clear Bronti's name he life finally starts to get better and in the end he rises again.
Four facts would be.... Identity theft is on the rise everyday, about 4 identities are stolen every second, there are about 10 million U.S. people who had there identity stolen, and identity theft can be done from anywhere.
I predict that as technology improves our society will be more efficent at stopping identity theft.
This happend in 1990 and Bronti is still feeling the affects of it to this day.
I understood that identity theft can happen to anyone no matter how rich or poor.
My opinion is that identity theft is a very important crime and needs to be stopped.
What would you do if your identity had been stolen?
1. Zach Chernicky, Two charged in BECU ID theft thought to impact 100's, http://www.seattlepi.com/local/430469_BECU19.html
ReplyDelete2. Prosecutors have already filed chargest against two men suspected to have defrauded hundreds of BECU members by skimming debit cards at Seattle area tam's. These thieves stole over $170,000 dollars from these individuals. Both have been charged with first degree theft and are in jail.
3.
1. Both men have received jail time for there actions.
2. These events occurred at seattle tam's.
3. Surveillance video caught the two men installing the skimming device.
4. Card skimmers capture information from the victims debit cards.
4. I believe there will be increased security measure so that these actions do not happen again.
5. Since people lost a lot of money and they where arrested i believe this matter was taken seriously. Therefore they will try to stop this from happening again.
6. I understood that events like this are becoming more and more common.
7. I feel like these actions can be prevented with the right determination.
8. What do you think they will do to try to stop debit card skimming?
Jose Ortega
ReplyDeleteIdentity Theft
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/12/07/Military-at-high-risk-for-identity-theft/UPI-43651291731585/
NEW YORK, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Military personnel are at high risk for identity theft because of the way their Social Security numbers are used, a report by an intelligence expert concludes.Lt. Col. Gregory Conti, who served in Army intelligence before becoming a professor at West Point, told The New York Times soldiers are required to give their Social Security numbers as identifiers for dozens of everyday activities.Those activities range from filling out health forms to checking out basketballs at the gym."Service members and their families are burdened with a work environment that shows little regard for their personal information," Conti's report said.Twenty soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, were among the victims of a gang of identity thieves indicted in New York in June.Officials said at the time that some of the soldiers were singled out because they were stationed overseas and would be slow to catch on to the fraud.A spokesman for the Army said Colonel Conti's report was "absolutely factual."Representatives of the military told the Times they are aware of the problem and are taking steps to fix it.
According to this news report, not even the military is safe from identity theft. This is a serious problem that should not be taken slightly, therefore we should be aware of the ways these thieves get a hold of our information. I seen commercials that say every six seconds an identity is stolen, peace of mind, money and your name could be at risk!! So I say we all try to learn more about this growing crime in America.
http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/2747793-418/office-charged-lake-drucker-state.html
ReplyDeleteAn employee of the Secretary of State office in Libertyville has been charged with stealing identities from the office and giving the information to a third party.
Charles DiPrima, 58, of Round Lake was charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit identity theft, according to David Drucker, a spokesman for Secretary of State Jesse White.
He was currently employed by the Woodstock office where he earned $49,332 a year. He has been suspended without pay. Prosecutors allege Drucker took personal information about people from the Libertyville facility and gave it to another party so they could open credit card and other accounts, said Drucker.
“We take something of this nature very seriously,” said Drucker, adding that they are in the process of firing him. “We will prosecute him to the full extent of the law,” he said, thanking the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office for its role in the investigation.
DiPrima is due to appear in Lake County Circuit Court Dec. 28.
Do you know any effective ways to ensure that your identification doesn't get compromised?
11 charged in TJX identity theft
ReplyDeleteFederal authorities think they may have their men in one of the biggest known cybercrimes ever.
The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday said it charged 11 people in the theft of millions of credit and debit card numbers of customers for nine major U.S. retailers, including TJX, the parent company of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and other stores.
The massive computer data breach at TJX may have affected 94 million Visa and MasterCard accounts — nearly double the previous estimate by the retailer — according to court filings last year.
The charges name three people from the USA, three from the Ukraine, two from China, one from Belarus and one from Estonia. The final individual is known only by an alias online.
The ring was spearheaded by a Miami man named Albert "Segvec" Gonzalez, 27, who hacked into the computer networks of retailers including TJX, BJ's Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Boston Market, Barnes & Noble, Sports Authority, Forever 21, DSW and Dave & Buster's, the Justice Department said.
The stolen information was allegedly stored on computer servers in the USA and Eastern Europe, and sold via the Internet to other criminals. The stolen numbers were "cashed out" by encoding card numbers on the magnetic strips of blank cards that were used to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from ATMs, authorities said. The money was allegedly laundered through banks in Eastern Europe.
Gonzalez, who is being held by New York authorities on another hacking charge, was charged with computer fraud, wire fraud, access-device fraud, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy, authorities said. He faces life in prison if convicted of all charges.
In a statement, TJX thanked law enforcement and said more cooperation with banks and credit card companies is needed to fight fraud.
The TJX digital break-in has been the whopper among a series of breaches in recent years that have bedeviled companies and vexed customers.
Until Tuesday's charges, no one had been arrested for breaking into TJX's computer systems. Six people were convicted in Florida last year for their roles in a ring that used stolen TJX customer data to buy gift cards and goods worth at least $1 million.
Cybercrime tops $100 billion a year, outpacing global drug trafficking, according to industry experts.
By:Jayon Young
Period:5
Kira Chankersingh
ReplyDelete“Feds say they broke up an identity theft scheme at John Hopkins Hospital”
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/blog/2010/10/feds_say_they_broke_up_identit.html
Employees at John Hopkins Hospital were charged by the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and identity theft. Jasmine Amber Smith stole names, social security numbers and addresses from patients and provided them to friends who bought $600,000 worth of merchandise. The defendants used the identity information to open fraudulent credit accounts and make “instant credit purchases at retail stores such as Sears. The five defendants now face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two years in prison consecutive for any other sentence of aggravated identity theft.
Four Facts: About 4 identities are stolen every second, it is the fastest growing crime, 10 million people become victims each year, it takes $1,000 to recover from identity theft.
I conclude that all the defendants will be charged guilty for their crimes due to the evidence that the fed has accumulated.
I understand from this story that identity theft is a major problem in today’s society and it can happen to anyone. My opinion is that everyone should br weary about putting their information out there without being sure that it’s safe.
What can we do to prevent Identity Theft?
Ricardo Mondesir
ReplyDeleteThree Tips for Keeping Your Wallet or Purse Safe From Identity Thieves
http://idtheft.about.com/od/preventionpractices/a/Purse_Safety.htm
2. The authors trying to say that identity theft doesn't only occur online, it happens in the real world to.
3.nearly 75 percent of identity theft happens in the real world,Someone bumps into you and the next time you reach for your wallet, it’s gone, and you set you purse down on the shelf for just a second to look at something and when you reach for it, it’s gone.
4.I think that people will be more careful with their belongings.
5.the biggest problems about having your purse or wallet stolen.
6.I understood that identity theft isn't a joke and can even happen to me.
7. My opinion on this topic is that its very helpful and people should follow it.
8.How can we put an end to identity theft ?
1:http://archive.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/03/2-women-accused-of-using-tax-data-to-file-false-returns.html
ReplyDelete2 charged in H&R Block identity theft case
2) After Highland, Ind., police pulled over a driver for suspicion of driving under the influence, one officer noticed a female passenger nervously fidgeting in the back seat.
She said she was looking for a bottle for her small child also in the car, but the officer spotted a gold Visa card at her feet.Authorities said quick thinking by the officers led to the arrest of a former H&R Block employee on charges that she stole the identities of dozens of clients and then collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in refunds after fraudulently filing income tax returns in the customers' names without their knowledge.A search of the car uncovered a treasure-trove of evidence: a file box full of H&R Block client information, numerous blank W-2 forms, more than 100 debit cards and yellow legal pads with columns of Social Security numbers, PIN numbers, dates of tax filings and whether the returns had been accepted or rejected, authorities said.
3)>officer noticed a female passenger nervously fidgeting in the back seat.
> she stole the identities of dozens of clients
> collected hundreds of thousands of dollars
> led to the arrest of a former H&R Block employee
4) the Two womens will fet fired from H&R block and be arrested.
5) Foster, 32 AND Buchanan, 35, tole the identities of more than 60 H&R Block customers from the East Chicago branch.
6)I learned that you should be careful how you give you money to and to never trust on business that take your money.
7) my opinion of this topic is that you can,t even trust a tax preparation company
8) How can we stop identity theft
1:http://archive.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/03/2-women-accused-of-using-tax-data-to-file-false-returns.html
ReplyDelete2 charged in H&R Block identity theft case
2) After Highland, Ind., police pulled over a driver for suspicion of driving under the influence, one officer noticed a female passenger nervously fidgeting in the back seat.
She said she was looking for a bottle for her small child also in the car, but the officer spotted a gold Visa card at her feet.Authorities said quick thinking by the officers led to the arrest of a former H&R Block employee on charges that she stole the identities of dozens of clients and then collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in refunds after fraudulently filing income tax returns in the customers' names without their knowledge.A search of the car uncovered a treasure-trove of evidence: a file box full of H&R Block client information, numerous blank W-2 forms, more than 100 debit cards and yellow legal pads with columns of Social Security numbers, PIN numbers, dates of tax filings and whether the returns had been accepted or rejected, authorities said.
3)>officer noticed a female passenger nervously fidgeting in the back seat.
> she stole the identities of dozens of clients
> collected hundreds of thousands of dollars
> led to the arrest of a former H&R Block employee
4) the Two womens will fet fired from H&R block and be arrested.
5) Foster, 32 AND Buchanan, 35, tole the identities of more than 60 H&R Block customers from the East Chicago branch.
6)I learned that you should be careful how you give you money to and to never trust on business that take your money.
7) my opinion of this topic is that you can,t even trust a tax preparation company
8) How can we stop identity theft