Tag Archives: identity theft

Jurisdiction Unknown

The first space crime

Initiated in November 1998, the International Space Station is a monumental project, and has served as living quarters to astronauts since the year 2000. Among the valuable scientific research that takes place on the Space Station, it is also home to the first space crime. Anne McClain has recently gained infamy for allegedly tapping into her estranged spouse’s bank account while onboard the Space Station. While no money was stolen from the account, McClain’s spouse, Summer Worden, learned of the invasion of privacy when McClain communicated with Worden about her spending habits. An investigation is currently underway. Continue reading →

Big Breach Leads to Bigger Compensation

What is your identity worth?

Following extensive state and federal investigations, a settlement was reached this month regarding the notorious Equifax breach. To compensate for the millions of individuals affected by the 2017 data break, the credit reporting agency has agreed to provide $300 million worth of monitoring services to affected consumers and $175 million to settle legal disputes with 48 states. If it is determined, however, that the $300 million amount for services is not enough, then there is a stipulation stating the amount will increase another $125 million. Equifax must also pay a $100 million fine to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In addition, the company must update and enhance their data security, to avoid any future computer-oriented crimes from taking place. Continue reading →

Theater Company Settles Identity Theft Suit with… Popcorn?

A fresh pile of money

Some quirky news out of Kansas City today. The Kansas City Business Journal blog reports that Dickinson Theatres Inc. has settled a suit with the promise to pay $1.5 million in popcorn coupons. You read that correctly. The lawsuit concerned Dickinson Theatres’ non-compliance with a law requiring companies to truncate debit and credit card information on receipts. It’s unclear to whom the coupons are going, most likely one each for every debit and credit card customer affected from a certain time period. I doubt the three named plaintiffs in the suit would find much use for $500,000 worth of popcorn, but you never know. I know what I’d do: build a swimming pool entirely filled with golden, buttery popcorn and dive into it Scrooge McDuck-style.