‘Jackpotting’ Schemes with Ties to Russia Steal Thousands from ATMs

Criminals are hacking ATMs for illegal cash diversification.

The US Secret Service describes “jackpotting” as operating an ATM to spit cash through “malicious software and/or computer hardware.” ksat. Unchecked machines could potentially drain a total loss of thousands of people.

“The machinery will continue to distribute until it is ejected. It could be a distribution of 97. It could be a 70,” said Laura Ward, Chief Risk Officer at Firstmark Credit Union.

“We've seen all sorts of crime these days, but this is a particularly different kind,” she added. “ATMs are really prey, and we call them attacks because they're attacks.”

In Houston, Texas, authorities say such “jackpotting” plans have linked to criminals through their ties to Russia. For each KSAT:

Earlier this week, the two were arrested in Houston and were suspected of being part of a Jackpotting group with potential ties with Russia.

Ward didn't reveal how much money was taken from First Mark, but she said the crime could bring about a major financial sacrifice to banking institutions.

Credit unions have worked with local, state and federal authorities since the attack. She said she wanted to raise awareness about it in order to combat the problem.

The attack took place over several hours throughout the night, with suspected criminals operating the ATM on the scene or remotely operating it. Once the machine distributes cash, Perps will start collecting, as surveillance video shows.