The suspects allegedly hacked into wireless networks including Sports Authority, Boston Market, OfficeMax, Forever 21, Barnes & Noble, DSW, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and TJX Companies, operator of T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s.  

Attorney General Michael Mukasey said, "They used sophisticated computer hacking techniques that would allow them to breach security systems and then install computer programs that gathered enormous quantities of personal financial data, which they then allegedly either sold to others or used themselves."

Three investigations in different U.S. Attorney offices were eventually coordinated to discover the immensity of the fraud ring.

Mukasey noted the toll identity theft takes on victims who have to rebuild their credit, as well as the threat to national security posed by global Internet schemes. "With the worldwide reach of the Internet, criminals can now operate from almost anywhere on the globe to steal personal information from anywhere -- from almost anywhere on the globe, in particular from our citizens," he said.

While identity theft can happen to anyone, there a few minor things you can do to protect yourself.  You can place a 90-day fraud alert on your credit record with the three major credit bureaus to warn banks and credit companies to verify your credit requests, which can be done with a simple phone call.  This alert may make the loan and credit card application process a bit longer, but it won’t harm your credit rating.
Under the Identity Theft Protection Law, you can block access to your credit report with a Credit Freeze.  Identity thieves are unable to open new accounts in your name because credit companies are unable to check your credit history.  Your current credit card and mortgage companies will be able to access your credit report, but it may slow new credit, like the fraud alert.

Additionally, there are aspects of your daily life that can be modified to help protect against identity theft:
● Replace a freestanding mailbox so only you and your mail carrier can access it.
● Don't mail bill payments in your mailbox with the flag up. That's an invitation to identity thieves.
● Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet, where it's readily available to pickpockets. Memorize the number and keep the card in a secure place.
● If your DMV uses Social Security numbers as driver's license numbers, ask for an alternate number. Same goes for student IDs and health insurance cards.
● Have a password added to your bank and credit card accounts, so that no business can be transacted without that secret word. Make sure it's an unusual password that's hard to predict, not your mother's maiden name!
● Report unfamiliar accounts on your credit report to the credit bureau's fraud department, then call and write to the creditor via certified mail.
If you one of the many effected by identity theft or other credit dilemmas, U.S. Financial Management’s debt negotiation program can help restore bad credit.  Call for an obligation-free consultation at 1.800.738.5213 or visit www.usfmgroup.com.