Briefs: Feds nab alleged SoCal 'pfisher' on fraud

Federal agents in Los Angeles arrested an Azusa man Thursday on charges he was a 'pfisher' who targeted America Online users.

The U.S. Attorney's office said Jeffrey Goodin, 45, was picked up by FBI and Secret Service agents and charged with wire fraud and unauthorized use of a credit card.

The alleged scam was a familiar one. Prosecutors said Goodin allegedly sent out thousands of e-mails to AOL users asking them to update their billing information, particularly their credit-card numbers. The intended victims were then referred to a Web site where they could enter their personal data.

There is no word on how much money was involved; however, the feds said Goodin faces a maximum of 30 years in a federal prison if he is convicted.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

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