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Cingular Gets TRO Against Websites Selling Records

Cingular has issued a press release saying it has obtained temporary restraining orders against two internet sites that have been selling customer phone records online.

Cingular today obtained a Temporary Restraining Order from the U.S. District Court in Atlanta, GA, against two companies, Data Find Solutions, Inc. and 1st Source Information Specialists, Inc. Several weeks ago, Cingular filed a civil lawsuit alleging that these companies unlawfully obtained and disseminated Cingular customer records. The court has now granted Cingular's request for a Temporary Restraining Order in order to halt these companies' ability to obtain and sell Cingular customer records.

Cingular believes that 1st Source now owns Locate Cell and Cell Tolls, and that the two sites formerly were owned by Data Find.

AmericaBlog was able to obtain Wesley Clark's Sprint cell phone records for $89 from Locate Cell. CNN reported tonight it was able to buy a producer's Sprint cell phone recrods for the same price. John of AmericaBlog reports that he was able to buy his own Cingular calls from Locate Cell.

Cingular's lawsuit charges that these companies or their representatives obtained customer records through fraudulent means, such as by posing as customers seeking information about their own accounts.

"Cingular will not tolerate the theft of customer records," said Joaquin Carbonell, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Cingular Wireless. "We plan to continue fighting cell phone record theft on a number of fronts, including working with law enforcement and policymakers to crack down on websites that offer cell phone records for sale."

Cingular has a few tips for those who want to make it more difficult for third parties to obtain their cell phone records:

In addition, consumers who wish to better protect themselves should follow standard practices to prevent identity theft, such as adding a password to their account, guarding their password and other personal information, and shredding invoices and account information before discarding these documents.

Except, Jackie Schechner on CNN tonight said the producer whose records CNN was able to purchase earlier today did have a password.

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