Reality Bites Super-Hacker

If you thought tales of espionage, double agents and multi-million dollar fraud operations were the stuff of movies then think again. In a plot more complicated than anything Danny Ocean or any of his thirteen cronies could dream up the super hacker, Albert Gonzalez, planned to pull off the biggest credit card information theft in history by stealing a staggering 130 million credit and debit card numbers.

Gonzalez dubbed his audacious scheme “Get Rich or Die Trying” and the 28 year old will certainly no doubt be praying the latter part of his prophecy doesn’t come true. The hacker is set to spend the next 35 years behind bars and faces a fine of $1 million.As if the plot wasn’t sensational enough, the web deviant was reportedly a former government informant advising them on security issue until he as found to be working as a double agent selling vital information to prominent hackers. If this wasn’t reality it would almost be too far fetched to believe but unlike many of the popular Hollywood movies it is unlikely that Gonzalez will see a happy ending.

For those of you who are worried about your financial security then here are some quick tips to prevent you falling foul to criminal like Gonzalez:

Be Vigilant – routinely check your credit card statements each month for any anomalies. The faster you can spot then and inform your credit company the better.

Save Receipts – Make it a standard practice to save all receipts from credit or debit card purchases. That way you can always back-up your claims.

Use Common Sense – Never give your card number out to strangers over the phone (the bank would never need to call you to ask your card number). Use ATMs at banks rather than convenience stores if possible (the security is likely to be better at the bank). Only shop on secure websites with the code “https” in the address bar.