OHIO DATA FOUND ON STOLEN COMPUTER HARD DRIVES CAN LEAD TO IDENTITY THEFT 9News Investigation: Identity Theft In Unlikely Of Places: 9News Investigation: Identity Theft In Unlikely Of Places

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The possibility of identity theft is a common conversation, especially in regards to credit cards and bill stubs.

But how about it taking place in internet marketplaces?

eBay is the place you can find anything and everything you can imagine; but it's also the place where other people can find everything about you.

In a 9News investigation, Director of News Operations Brian Duerring bought one used computer hard drive from a seller on eBay for just $5.

Once the package arrived, it was discovered that there was plenty of sensitive, personal information about the previous owner-- all for just a few dollars. "Let's say we find their social security number, websites they go to, potentially their bank account information," Duerring said. "With their social and their banking information, that could lead to all kinds of breaches."

9News discovered that the previous owner's name, cell phone number, home number, place of employment, address and with whom he does business.

9News also found lots of family photos, family addresses and some very personal emails, which begs the question: why did Larry sell a hard drive loaded with so much personal information?

He probably didn't.

From the information harvested from Larry's hard drive, 9News was able to call his brother, who was shocked by what was found on his brother's used equipment. However, he says he hopes Larry's case serves as an example for future internet marketplace selling mistakes.

Apolonio Garcia, a nationally recognized cyber security expert, says most of the drives found on sites like eBay either come from stolen computers or are being sold as parts from old, outdated computers.

Garcia also says there are many other things computer owners can do to protect themselves, such as using free online encryption programs that makes sensitive information unreadable.

However, the bottom line in making sure your information isn't spread is to completely destroy it, Garcia notes.

Also, don't make the mistake in thinking deleting files equals erasing and be sure to ask your computer technician for any old parts back after having your computer serviced.