WHO: Federal law enforcement agencies

WHAT: Americans, through their credit cards, travel reservations and loyalty cards, are being tracked by the feds without a court order being obtained, according to a document released under a government sunshine request. The “Hotwatch” orders allow for real-time tracking of people involved in criminal investigations via companies that offer credit cards, calling cards, rental cars and grocery store loyalty cards.

WHY IT IS AN OUTRAGE: The worst fear among many Americans is having Big Brother watching every move. The information obtained by security researcher Christopher Soghoian would seem to exacerbate those fears.