The Secret Files
Homepage of the website where celebrities, politicians and other officials' personal information was published by hackers. The Secret Files Website

Update (3:09 PM): TMZ is reporting that some of the hacked individuals' may have had their credit information used by the hackers. TMZ spoke to an anonymous law enforcement source who claims the credit information was used although it was not reported if the hackers set up new accounts or withdrew money from the targeted individuals. TMZ is also noting that the FBI has gotten into contact with some of the individuals to get in contact with their banks and other financial institutions to ensure hackers do not gain access to their accounts.

Hackers have published what appears to be the financial records -- as well as social security numbers -- of several high-profile celebrities and politicians.

Credit reports, current addresses, previous addresses, social security numbers and telephone numbers are some of the personal information that has been published online. Those who have been targeted, and had their financial records exposed, include: the first lady of the United States Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden, Kim Kardashian, United States Attorney General Eric Holder, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Ashton Kutcher, Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton Britney Spears, Sarah Palin, Hulk Hogan, Donald Trump and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Representatives of the targeted individuals have not commented about the veracity of the information posted online, according to the Daily Mail.

The Twitter link does not provide much in terms of motive for the hacking. However, two tweets have been sent out: one directing followers to the website and another with a simple message, “Hello world, we are exposed to. Our goal is to show you all that this is only one of a few tricks up his sleeve lone wolves.”

The leaked information goes beyond what public officials normally report in tax forms, while the celebrity information is not the type that is gleaned from divorce papers or other legal documents, while social security numbers are always private to prevent identity theft. Vice President Biden and Clinton did not have their credit reports published, but the FLOTUS did have her financial records disclosed.

The hackers responsible have not updated their Twitter account or the website, which remains online. The LAPD and FBI have announced they are investigating the hack, reports The Associated Press. The website was first reported on by TMZ, which notes that the credit reports were generated recently, within the last week.

LAPD Commander Andrew Smith said, “People get mad at us, go on the Internet and try to find information about us, and post it all on one site.” LAPD Cmdr. Smith said the police are also investigating the hack and described the process of posting information online of celebrities and public figures as “creepy,” reports AP. The information posted online is illegal and possibly taken from a secure information database, says Sergeant Frank Preciado, assistant officer-in-charge for the LAPD’s Online Unit, to AP.