California Man Arrested in AOL Phishing Scheme

eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

A 45-year-old California man was arrested Jan. 25 and charged with operating an online phishing scheme that targeted America Online customers.

Jeffrey Brett Goodin of Azusa, Calif., was arrested and charged with wire fraud and unauthorized use of a credit card.

He could face 30 years in prison if convicted of both offenses.

Goodin is alleged to have sent e-mail messages to thousands of AOL users to entice them to visit fraudulent Web sites he set up to collect personal information.

/zimages/6/28571.gifFor advice on how to secure your network and applications, as well as the latest security news, visit Ziff Davis Internets Security IT Hub.

Goodin allegedly used the information he gathered to make purchases with the credit cards, according to a statement from Debra Yang, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.

Goodin was arrested following an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service, FBI and the Ontario, Canada, Police Department.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 28 in U.S. District Court. ´

/zimages/6/28571.gifCheck out eWEEK.coms for the latest security news, reviews and analysis. And for insights on security coverage around the Web, take a look at eWEEK.com Security Center Editor Larry Seltzers Weblog.