FBI seeks hacker who stole credit card numbers from eBay users

Zardon · Feb 7, 2003, 06:58 PM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A hacker used a University of North Carolina computer system to steal personal financial information from eBay users, federal officials say.

Users of the Internet auction site complained to the FBI they received fraudulent e-mails during the past week that appeared to come from eBay, said Chris Swecker, who heads the FBI in North Carolina.

The e-mails told recipients their accounts were suspended until they verified some personal information — including their credit card number and mother's maiden name. A link in the e-mail took users to a Web page appearing to belong to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

A hacker used a university computer server for at least two hours Sunday to post the page before technicians shut it down, said spokeswoman Karin Steinbrenner.

The hacker does not appear to be a UNCC student or employee, Steinbrenner and Swecker said.

Officials at eBay said they've noticed an increase in these fraudulent e-mails since early 2002, spokesman Kevin Pursglove said.

"As fast as we can find them they disappear," he said.

By Monday, the page linked to the fake eBay e-mail had disappeared, and was replaced by a Web site registered to a Pennsylvania woman, who said she also had been the victim of identity theft and that thieves also stole an undisclosed amount of money from her bank account. USA today

Feb 7, 2003, 06:58 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	FBI seeks hacker who stole credit card numbers from eBay users CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A hacker used a University of North Carolina computer system to steal personal financial information from eBay users, federal officials say. Users of the Internet auction site complained to the FBI they received fraudulent e-mails during the past week that appeared to come from eBay, said Chris Swecker, who heads the FBI in North Carolina. The e-mails told recipients their accounts were suspended until they verified some personal information — including their credit card number and mother's maiden name. A link in the e-mail took users to a Web page appearing to belong to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. A hacker used a university computer server for at least two hours Sunday to post the page before technicians shut it down, said spokeswoman Karin Steinbrenner. The hacker does not appear to be a UNCC student or employee, Steinbrenner and Swecker said. Officials at eBay said they've noticed an increase in these fraudulent e-mails since early 2002, spokesman Kevin Pursglove said. "As fast as we can find them they disappear," he said. By Monday, the page linked to the fake eBay e-mail had disappeared, and was replaced by a Web site registered to a Pennsylvania woman, who said she also had been the victim of identity theft and that thieves also stole an undisclosed amount of money from her bank account. USA today