Fergie's Tech Blog

"The Hacker" Arrested for Phishing Scheme

Jeffrey Brett Goodin, 46, of Azusa, California, was arrested today by FBI agents after having been a fugitive for the past four months, announced J. Stephen Tidwell, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Goodin, who was known as “The Hacker,” was originally arrested in January 2006 on charges he operated an identity theft scheme known as “phishing.” During the scheme, Goodin allegedly sent thousands of fraudulent e-mails which appeared to be from America Online’s Billing Department to AOL subscribers, seeking their personal credit and debit card account information. The stolen information was later used by Goodin to make unauthorized purchases.

Goodin was released on bond after being indicted for the scheme and subsequently failed to show up for a scheduled bail revocation hearing. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Goodin on July 24, 2006, in Los Angeles, and his photograph was posted on the FBI’s website at http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/fugitives/cyber/goodin_jb.htm. A federal grand jury added new charges against Goodin in a superseding indictment handed down on July 27, 2006, for crimes Goodin allegedly committed while a fugitive, including witness harassment.

FBI Agents in Los Angeles identified the location at which Goodin was residing and placed him under arrest today. Goodin was afforded an initial appearance before a federal magistrate in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles this afternoon and was detained. He was ordered to appear for an arraignment on Monday, November 8th, 2006.

posted by Fergie @ 11/06/2006 02:13:00 PM