Computer Glitch Lets ATM Thieves Collect $346,770
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Four thieves took advantage of a computer glitch to commit one of the largest cases of automated teller fraud in the nation, withdrawing $346,770 on one stolen bank card, authorities say.
The card was used 724 times over a 54-hour period in November. The machines’ withdrawal limits of $200 per day were not working at the time because Oregon TelCo Credit Union was changing its computer software.
“It was absolutely dumb luck on their part,” said Jim Cline, a Secret Service special agent. Three people were arrested Tuesday and a fourth was being sought. Police recovered $29,000.
The card was in a purse that was stolen from a locked car outside a high school football game. The card’s secret access code was written on a piece of paper in the purse.
The thieves struck 48 cash machines from Portland to Albany, making $820,000 in fake deposits to cover the withdrawals.
Secret Service agents said it was one of the five largest automated teller fraud cases in U.S. history.
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