Data Leaks

Malicious Use of P2P Downloads Equals 20 Years in Jail

Seattle man pleads guilty

By Bogdan Popa, Security and Search Engines Editor

7th of November 2007, 18:51 GMT

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Gregory Kopiloff, a 35-year-old man from Seattle, admitted that he used P2P file sharing application to download private documents in order to obtain credit

cards. The Register reports the scammer bought stuff online up to $73,000 using the information stolen from approximately 50 people. The man pleaded guilty when accused of "mail fraud, computer hacking and aggravated identity theft," the same source adds. It seems like Mr. Kopiloff accessed file-sharing application Limewire to download "tax and credit reports, bank statements and student financial aid applications," all of them being shared by the inexperienced users who also connect to the network.

The scammer is now facing a 20 year in jail sentence and a fine up to $250,000 but he might receive the minimum punishment due to his collaboration with the investigators.

"The aggravated identity theft conviction carries a mandatory two-year sentence in addition to any other sentence. The hacking offences carries a maximum punishment of up to five years and a $250K fine," The Register continues.

Sure, you might say that this is nothing special from numerous users who download documents and other financial information from the P2P network but imagine that Mr. Kopiloff managed to do illegal shopping of approximately $73,000 using fake details. It's easy to say the scammer is guilty and I agree with it but how bad is to share your private information and moreover, your financial details on such a popular file-sharing technology like Limewire?

The reports sustain that about 50 people were affected by the scam but with millions of Limewire users, the percentage of the potential victims of a potential identity theft attack is probably pretty shocking. So, come on people, try to check the files you choose to share or even avoid accessing P2P file sharing application if you're not so tech-savvy...

TAGS:

limewire | jail | theft

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