Hackers Have Figured Out How to Steal from Starbucks Cards -- Security Today

Hackers Have Figured Out How to Steal from Starbucks Cards

By Matt Holden
May 13, 2015

According to multiple users, hackers who get a username and password can steal money through a Starbucks’ card until the customer or credit-card company stops them. Thieves can transfer the balance onto a card they hold, wait for the Starbucks’ card to reload, then repeat the process over and over.

This allows hackers to steal from someone’s credit card via a gift card without ever having to touch the victim’s phone or know what their credit card information is.

Starbucks has said the company has safeguards in place to monitor for fraudulent activity, “working closely with financial institutions like all major retailers.”

The coffee giant also said that anyone affected by this crime won’t be responsible for the charges, but that comes after stating it had solved the security flaws in an update last year.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

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