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Loyalty points fraud is funding hacker holidays (Lock and Code S07E18)

Malwarebytes Labsby @malwarebytes ()2 min read1 · 1 read
AI summary · glm-5.3-flashSummaries by Vani AI

Malwarebytes' Lock and Code podcast examines loyalty-points theft, with LexisNexis' Kim Sutherland explaining why stolen airline and hotel points are lucrative for fraudsters.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions' Kim Sutherland says loyalty currency is worth roughly one cent per point, making 100,000 airline points worth about $1,000 in the US. Cited incidents include a Chicago teacher who lost 240,000 airline points, discovered only via a confirmation email, and a man whose miles were used to book rental cars in New York and Memphis. The episode discusses how points theft happens and what companies and consumers can do.

Key facts
  • Loyalty points are worth roughly one cent each, making them effectively currency for fraudsters.
  • Victims often miss theft because loyalty accounts get less attention than bank accounts.
  • One Chicago teacher lost 240,000 airline points, spotted only through a confirmation email.
  • Stolen miles were fraudulently used to book rental cars in New York and Memphis.
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From the original article

2 min read at malwarebytes.com

This week on the Lock and Code podcast, we speak with Kim Sutherland about loyalty points fraud and how everyday people can stay safe.

Malwarebytes Labs

By @malwarebytes · malwarebytes.com

Read the full article at Malwarebytes Labs

A short excerpt; the article and its images belong to the publisher. Summary, key facts and assessment above are AI-written from the article and can be wrong.