Six men have been arrested for allegedly stealing over $400,000 from ATMs across New York. The group, all from Venezuela, used a sneaky trick called “jackpotting” to get the cash.
How the Hack Worked
The men infected ATMs with malware using a special device. This malware forced the machines to spit out all their money in a short amount of time. The group targeted ATMs in Onondaga, Broome, and Chenango counties, stealing directly from the banks’ cash reserves, not from customers’ accounts.
The Suspects
Four of the men entered the US illegally through the Mexican border, while the other two were granted temporary permission. They all face charges of conspiracy and bank larceny, with four facing additional charges in other states.
Jackpotting on the Rise
The US Secret Service has warned that jackpotting attempts are increasing in at least 15 states, targeting ATMs from various manufacturers. Several criminal groups are believed to be involved in these scams.
