You Could Be At Risk
If you use P2P file sharing software such as LimeWire, uTorrent, Azureus Vuze, BitTorrent, eMule, Ares, or other similar file sharing software to share music, movies, or software, then you may be unintentionally sharing files that can put you at risk of lawsuits and identity theft.
P2P file sharing software by default scans your computer and automatically shares files on your computer, and files you download, with all of the users on file sharing networks. Some of the files being shared however can contain copyrighted materials, private information such as your tax returns, and other sensitive information.
Woman Ordered To Pay $1.9 Million For Sharing Files
Sharing copyrighted materials can make you vulnerable to lawsuits by copyright holders. The recording and movie industries have already filed well over 35,000 lawsuits against people who share copyrighted music and movies online. If you are sued by a copyright holder because you’re making copyrighted materials available for others to download, you could find yourself facing a lawsuit that could cost you millions of dollars and ruin you financially.
In a recent lawsuit brought by the recording industry, a Minnesota woman who was sharing music files using P2P file sharing software was ordered by a jury to pay $1.9 million in damages. To read a Bloomberg article regarding the jury verdict,
CLICK HERE.
Denver D.A.: File Sharing Key To ID Theft Scheme
Many file sharers are also unwittingly making available private information such as bank account details, passwords, tax returns, and other data that can be used to steal your identity, empty your bank account, or otherwise financially destroy you. Computer viruses can also modify your file sharing software settings, exposing private financial information and other data to the world.
The Denver District Attorney (D.A.) and Denver Police Department have already made arrests in connection with an identity theft scheme involving LimeWire, a popular P2P file sharing program. Contrary to claims made by software makers such as LimeWire, who claim that their software is safe and secure, the Denver District Attorney has stated that safeguards can easily be breached and all of your personal and financial information stored on your computer can be stolen. To view a Denver Post article regarding the arrest and statements made by the Denver District Attorney's Office,
CLICK HERE.