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60 Arrested in Scheme to Hack Bank Accounts

Group allegedly used virus to steal passwords

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 30, 2010 2:35 PM CDT

(Newser) – More than 60 people have been arrested in connection with an alleged global scheme to steal US bank accounts with computer viruses. Court documents allege that Eastern European hackers used a virus called the Zeus Trojan to access bank data for several US small to mid-size businesses and municipalities, the Wall Street Journal reports. Nineteen people were arrested in London Tuesday on related charges as well.

The hackers would send the virus via seemingly legitimate emails, and use it to collect passwords and other data. Then “money mules” would come to the US on student visas, and open bank accounts for the stolen cash to be transferred to. The mules would then distribute the cash. Several of the people nabbed in New York likely filled that role; there were nine in total there, including some hailing from Russia and Moldova.

More than 60 have been charged in an alleged scheme to steal bank information. (Shutterstock)

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60 Arrested in Scheme to Hack Bank Accounts

Group allegedly used virus to steal passwords

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