We have read about credit card skimmers at ATMs or gas stations but how would someone hack into fuel pumps to steal gas? Apparently, cybercriminals have got their hands on a device that allows them to steal gasoline from fuel pumps without getting caught.
Investigators are looking for two men spotted at a Marathon Oil Service Station in Detriot city using some kind of high-tech electronic device to successfully steal 600 Gallons of gas – This is approximately $1,800 worth of gas.
According to reports, the incident took place on June 23rd at 1 pm, when two men hacked into one of the fuel pumps at the station and stole gasoline without raising any suspicions. Police believe that the device worked in such a way that it stopped the clerk at the station from remotely turning off the pump from his computer.
In a statement, Dontae Freeman, Detroit police spokesman told FOX that “the suspects had about 10 large vehicles lined up at the pump and filled their tanks with gas. He said investigators believe it took the suspects about 90 minutes to fill up the vehicles.”
However, security camera footage from the gas station shows two individuals suspected of this criminal activity. The investigators are urging residents to inform the Detroit Police Department in case they have any tip on the suspects.
In January this year, it was reported that malicious hackers were using a one of its kind malware to target gas stations to hike prices for customers. In their attack, around 3 to 7% increment per gallon of pumped gas was added to the cost customers paid at the gas stations due to the scam.
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