AT & T Goes After Data Brokers

AT & T has filed a suit to identify data brokers who used fraudulent means to gain access to customer phone records. The company claims that more than 25 different brokers used the ploy to dupe the phone giant into granting access.



These data brokers would then sell the information to clients. Many offered this service to check up on suspected cheating spouses and other investigative purposes without obtaining a court order. Unfortunately, it is illegal to engage in this sport.



Since no defendants were specifically named, the company can now use discovery powers to subpoena data sellers’ records. The plaintiff will use computer records to reconstruct the movements of those who violated the law.



AT & T froze online access to phone records which precluded web access not only to the perpetrators, but also some 2,500 customers. The court action seeks an injunction to cease the phone record mining. The Complainant also seeks monetary damages. We will keep an eye on this case.