Massive IRS Data Breach Much Bigger Than First Thought
A massive data breach at the IRS was much bigger than was first realized. The agency now says more than 700,000 social security numbers and other sensitive information may have been stolen. Hackers used the “Get Transcript” program, which allows you to check your tax history online. The IRS began the online program two years ago, allowing taxpayers to request their tax history over the Internet, in addition to the post office. But following a nine-month investigation by the Treasury inspector general for tax administration, the IRS says its online service has put hundreds of thousands of more taxpayers at risk of identity theft… [WBNS TV News]
Sports Authority Is Said to Discuss Selling Stores to Dick’s
Sports Authority, which is preparing to file for bankruptcy, has discussed selling stores and intellectual property to rival chain Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. and other parties, according to people familiar with the situation. The Dick’s transaction is one of several options being considered, said the sources, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Modell’s Sporting Goods also is discussing buying some of the stores, according to the sources. Sports Authority, once the largest sporting-goods retailer in the U.S., is heading toward default after years of losing ground to competitors… [Bloomberg]
Surveillance Video Captures Burglars Stealing $30K in Drones, Hoverboards
Burglars who were dressed in black and wearing masks were captured on surveillance cameras smashing through the front door of a store and then stealing more than $30,000 worth of drones and hoverboards in less than 10 minutes. “It’s horrible,” said the store owner. “You are just trying to operate a business like this and this is the second type of robbery in this store in less than a year. It is frustrating. You do everything you can to preserve it and criminals don’t care.” [CBS TV Miami]
Wal-Mart employee arrested in theft of $40K
Police have arrested a Wal-Mart employee in connection with the theft of more than $40,000 from the business. Wal-Mart asset protection officers completed an internal investigation and found an employee had made fraudulent transactions. The evidence led to Samantha Lynn Edwards, 29, and revealed she stole more than $40,000 from the business. Edwards faces embezzlement charges. She is being held in jail in lieu of $25,000 bond… [Sun Herald]
Video Shows Walmart Shoplifter Driving Off with Police Officers Clinging to Vehicle, Only Stops When Shot and Surrounded
Dramatic police dashcam footage has emerged showing the moment a suspected shoplifter tried to flee from police – despite officers being halfway inside her vehicle. Newly released video shows Laquandra D. Borden from Sumter, South Carolina, dragging two officers along as she smashes into a police vehicle before being shot in the shoulder in November last year. Borden then leads police on a chase the wrong way up a street before she is finally stopped, with dozens of armed officers dragging her from her car and throwing her on the ground. Borden was charged with first degree assault and battery, aggravated assault, shoplifting and criminal conspiracy… [Daily Mail]
Brooklyn Couple Arrested in $100K Identity Theft and Credit Card Scam
A Brooklyn couple has been arrested for stealing more than $100,000 in gift cards at a shopping center using American Express and Visa cards obtained with stolen identities, authorities said. While Michael Mena worked at a kiosk inside Kings Plaza Shopping Center, he was caught on video six times receiving lifted credit cards from his girlfriend, Maggie Ferreira, officials said. The couple allegedly racked up over $50,000 that they used to go on a Carnival cruise and purchase a used car… [NY Daily News]