Michael Dolan, a 23 year-old has pleaded guilty on federal charges related to his participation in an elaborate internet “phishing” scheme that targeted and victimized America Online subscribers.
The cyber crook admitted stealing credit card numbers, social security numbers and other personal data from AOL member she met in chat rooms.
From 2002 until 2006, Dolan used special software to steal AOL screen names from chat rooms. He then sent Trojan horse malware concealed as electronic greeting cards from Hallmark to these prospective victims. The malicious software forced users with infected machines on logging onto their AOL accounts to give out personal information, including credit card numbers and social security details.
Dolan and his buddies in crime used this data to make fraudulent online acquisitions. The details were also used to make up forged credit cards which were used to take money from ATMs and make purchases at petrol stations and the like.
It's not clear how much Dolan and his unidentified partners made via the scam.
The scheme was discovered after an analysis involving West Haven Police Department and US ISP EarthLink’s abuse team. Following his guilty plea, Dolan faces up to five years in jail for fraud and a further mandatory two years incarceration for aggravated ID theft.
He also faces probation following his release and fines of up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing before US District Judge Alvin W. Thompson is scheduled for 14 November.
Dolan's previous form counted against him. Dolan was put on probation for two years in May 2004 after pleading guilty to hacking offences. He failed to keep appointments with his probation officer, made numerous trips out of Connecticut without permission, including at least one trip overseas. Dolan was jailed for nine months in April 2006 for violating the terms of his probation.
