Hackers steal Walgreens e-mail list, attack consumers

[RamboLiberal]

Source: MSNBC

Pharmacy giant Walgreens had to swallow some bitter medicine on Friday when it told customers that a computer criminal had stolen its e-mail marketing list. The criminal used the list to send out realistic-looking spam that asked recipients to enter their personal information into a Web page controlled by hackers.

"We are sorry this has taken place and for any inconvenience to you," the e-mail said.

No prescription information or other health information was stolen, the company said — the criminal only managed to pilfer customer e-mail addresses.

But even customers who had opted out of receiving marketing materials via e-mail from Walgreens had their addresses stolen in the heist. That means the firm stores customers' e-mail addresses even after they ask not to participate in e-mail marketing.


Read more: http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/12/10/5624759-hackers-steal-walgreens-e-mail-list-attack-consumers

[aquart]

1. Spammers.

Are their livers tasty with onions?

[derby378]

2. I thought the primary rule of surfing...

...was never give out private information in response to an unsolicited e-mail. I thought this whole Nigerian scam thing would have educated everyone about that.

[MineralMan]

3. It should be everyone's rule, but...

Lots and lots of people just don't get it. They'll see an email that looks like it comes from Walgreens and click the link without even looking to see where it leads. Then, they'll type in the requested information. It happens constantly. My 82-year-old mother-in-law is prone to making mistakes like that, despite our frequent warnings to her not to click any link in any email. "But, I shop at Walgreens. Why would they try to do something like that?" It's a hopeless thing to try to alter her activities. And it's not just age. People just aren't careful with their use of the Internet. That's why this kind of thing needs to be vigorously investigated and some serious prosecutions done of those who do this crap.

Never underestimate the gullibility of people.

[IamK]

4. Just what I need, more emails from the Bank of Nigeria

[Occulus]

5. I tend to think this was part of the point

"But even customers who had opted out of receiving marketing materials via e-mail from Walgreens had their addresses stolen in the heist. That means the firm stores customers' e-mail addresses even after they ask not to participate in e-mail marketing."

Well, well, well. Isn't that interesting?

...what else are they keeping?

[EFerrari]

6. Good catch. n/t