Half of Philly ID-Theft Couple Pleads Guilty

High-profile Philly swindler admits to her part of scheme

(NEWSER) - Jocelyn Kirsch, half of the Philadelphia couple once dubbed the “Bonnie and Clyde of Identity Theft,” followed her ex-boyfriend’s lead and pleaded guilty today, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The 22-year-old ex-Drexel student faces a mandatory minimum of 2 years in federal prison for her part in the plot. She and Edward Anderton swiped over $116,000 from friends and relatives. More»

Pair reaped $100K from condo neighbors

(NEWSER) - The Philadelphia couple dubbed the Bonnie and Clyde of identity theft left jail yesterday after their parents posted a hefty bail. Jocelyn Kirsch, 22, and Edward Anderton, 25, went on a shopping, dining, and vacationing spree—documented in countless photographs—with more than $100,000 they netted by stealing their neighbors' identities, the Philadelphia Daily News reports. More»

Private data lying around in plain view on Internet

(NEWSER) - Last year the number of identity theft victims in the US jumped 12%, while the number of Internet-related fraud cases went up 23%. But the problem isn't just hackers, say experts: In many cases, we're exposing our private data to anyone and everyone who knows where to look. Atlanta officials recently found names, Social Security numbers, and home phone numbers of 1,000 of the city's firefighters online, for instance. More»

Fraud spreading with use of electronic medical records

(NEWSER) - Watchdog groups warn that medical identity theft is on the rise with the growing use of electronic records that lack proper safeguards, the New York Times reports. Fraudsters use stolen insurance information or Social Security numbers to get free medical care and the victims are often unaware they have been scammed until years later when the unpaid bills show up on credit reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty this morning to all 11 felony charges against him, saying he was "sorry and ashamed" for his criminal acts. The judge accepted the plea and revoked Madoff's bail, bringing cheers from spectators in the courtroom. Madoff was escorted out in handcuffs and will remain in custody until his sentencing on June 16. He faces a maximum prison term of 150 years. More»