A lot has been going on so I haven't given blog entries the attention they need. BUT tonight something happened that is so pertinent that it can't pass without being mentioned. I believe I have become a victim of identity theft.

Around 10:45 this evening I receive what looks like a legit email from the wonderful online auction site ebaY informing me that I won a lot of 5 G3 Mac computers. You can check the auction out for yourself by clicking this link >> Lot of 5 G3 Computers. Don't get me wrong. I have purchased plenty items in the past from eBay, but lately all my purchases have been coming from reputable sites like eCost and NewEgg. I've been scammed too many times in the past.

Now I sit here freaked out because I need to know what other information this person has of my personal identification. What does the average Joe do when his eBay account has been infiltrated?

There's two different approaches to this and a whole lot of gray area between them.

• The first would be really subtle and probably the one I'm going to take. I've contacted the seller of this item explaining position in this matter. I also informed him that I'm going to contact eBay so they know ahead of time if there is a dispute on this auction. But, I had to write this blog first so the emotions are fresh. Immediately after contacting the seller I changed my eBay password to something more secure. After I finish writing this I'll email eBay. Then I'll have to sit back and see how this all pans out.
• The alternative to my reaction is for those that are paranoid or overly cautious. Close the eBay account. Close all other online account that could be remembered. Cancel all credit cards and report to your bank about the possibilities of suspicious activity that may occur on their accounts.

My biggest fear out of the whole thing is where or how this "haxor" got my information from. I keep a good arsenal of security on my computer. Programs like Spybot Search-and-Destroy, Javacool SpyBlaster, Ad-Aware, and AVG Virus Center. Maybe it's time to upgrade from free software to real security packages like Symantec or Norton.

Aside from my personal information all I care about is getting this straightened out without much resistance so that I can earn my first yellow star on eBay for having a +10 feedback rating when I make my next REAL purchase.