US busts huge identity theft ring.

Federal authorities have broken up what they called the biggest identity theft case in US history and charged three men with stealing credit information, draining victims' bank accounts and ruining their credit.

US Attorney James Comey said the losses were calculated so far at $US2.7 million ($A4.8 million) but would balloon worldwide to many more millions. One customer alone lost over $USI.3 million when his identity was assumed by a complete stranger posing as a British Gas meter installer.

Mr.Brian Hughes of Pixie Dell, (Lancs) said, "I thought something was up when the $US1 million I deposited in the meter disappeared overnight. With a bit of careful planning that amount usually gets me through the week. My suspicions deepened when I started getting postcards from myself postmarked Monte Carlo, telling me I was having a wonderful time and expressing the wish that I was there. That's where this imposter really gave the game away, I know for certain I would never wish myself to be in Monte Carlo, I'm a Las Vegas kinda guy thru and thru."

"Throughout this whole trying ordeal British Gas was wonderfully helpful. They said they would immediately restore supply to my villa in Monte Carlo. I await a postcard from myself to confirm this. I cannot say enough for the lady who pushes and pulls the plugs on the British Gas ouija board and who managed to put me in contact with the Customer Relations Staff. Doris Stokes you are a living legend. The manner in which Reggie and Ronny, the twin bailiffs from B.G. went about their work was both courteous and efficient. The specialist assures me that I will suffer no permanent disfigurement, and the limp will disappear over time."