According to the Wall Street Journal, Atleast $3 Million was stolen from U.S bank accounts last may by online hackers. Over 100 people have been arrested in relation to these cybercrimes, which they used computer viruses to steal bank account information and steal money from unsuspecting people. The U.S prosecution figured out that these criminals were using malicious software called a "Zeus Trojan, disguised in seemingly benign email. When the email recipient clicks on a link or attachment in the email, the virus monitors the victim's computer activity to grab user names and passwords." After gaining access to all the users accounts, the hackers then used mules to transfer the money into bank accounts over seas, or to pull out cash from ATM's. The banks hit by this scam include: J.P Morgan, Chase, Ally Financial inc, and PNC Financial services. According to court documents, the amount stolen from each victim was $10,000, and the mules were given anywhere between 8-10% of that.
This hacking scheme is not only prevalent in the U.S, but the U.K and Ukraine as well. Over $9.5 million was recently hacked and stolen in the U.K using the same Zeus Trojan software. In these cases around 20 people have been arrested so far, and officials are looking for more suspects.
In total, more than 80 people have been charged with these crimes in the U.S, thier charges include: conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, to possess false identification documents, to commit money laundering and false use of a passport. The state charges include grand larceny and identity theft.
"The modern high-tech bank heist, does not require a gun," said Mr. Bharara, the Manhattan U.S. attorney. "It requires only the Internet and ingenuity."
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