It all started for Robert Purbeck, in June 2017, when he began buying data off the dark web. The dark web, a hidden internet which requires a special portal and software to access, is the fraudster’s favorite online shop and the law enforcement’s nightmare. Purbeck shopped on one of the dark web websites that sold data from hacks and security breaches. And using that stolen data, proceeded to engage in a series of hacks into computer servers, stealing sensitive personal information and attempting to extort many innocent victims.
In 2017, on the darknet, Purbeck first purchased the computer server access information to Griffin Medical Clinic. He used the stolen credentials to illegally access the medical clinic’s computers and remove records containing sensitive personal information of over 43,000 individuals. Including patient names, addresses, birth dates and social security numbers.
In 2018, Purbeck purchased access to a City of Newnan Police Department server off the dark web. Purbeck again used the stolen credentials to hack into the city’s computer systems and stole police reports and other documents including the personal information of over 14,000 individuals.
Then, in July 2018, Purbeck stole patients and personal information from a Florida orthodontist practice. And with the files, Purbeck attempted to extort the orthodontist, demanding a Bitcoin ransom payment in return for his stolen patient files which included the information of the doctor’s minor child.
On Aug. 21, 2019, FBI special agents executed a federal search warrant at Purbeck’s home in Meridian, Idaho. Agents seized multiple computers and electronic devices containing over 132,000 individuals’ personal information obtained through Purbeck’s numerous data breaches.
On November 14, 2024, Purbeck was sentenced to ten years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta Field Office, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI Boise (Idaho) Resident Agency.
Today’s Fraud of The Day is based on article “Idaho man sentenced for hacking Georgia city, extorting Florida orthodontist” published by KTVB7 News on November 14, 2024.
According to federal prosecutors, Robert Purbeck of Meridian stole 132,000 people’s personal information after buying data off the dark web. A medical clinic in Griffin, an orthodontist in Florida and the City of Newnan all have one thing in common. An Idaho man hacked their computer systems and stole their data, prosecutors say.
Robert Purbeck, 45, was sentenced this week to 10 years in federal prison for hacking 20 victims across the United States and compromising personal information from 132,000 people, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia said in a press release.