DULUTH, GA – Authorities are on the hunt for two suspects who orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to drain ATMs at convenience stores around metro Atlanta. The suspects targeted a Texaco station on Pleasant Hill Road on August 27, and a Chevron station on Braselton Highway in Buford on August 29, according to Gwinnett County police.
Surveillance footage captured the suspects in the act at the Texaco station, where they connected a device to the ATM and installed malware, allowing them to withdraw large sums of money. The same method was used at the Chevron station two days later. Police believe the suspects exploited outdated software in the ATMs, turning the machines into their personal cash dispensers.
The malware, once introduced, enabled the suspects to make unlimited withdrawals, resulting in the theft of thousands of dollars from each location. Store manager Shameen Ahmed reported a loss of approximately $4,800 from the Texaco ATM. “This money was our loss,” Ahmed lamented. “A hit like this hurts.”
Investigators have confirmed that no customer accounts or personal information were compromised in the scam. The primary victims were the stores themselves, which bore the financial brunt of the theft. Authorities suspect the same individuals may have targeted other locations around the metro area and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers or dial 911.
The police are working diligently to track down the perpetrators and prevent further incidents. They have provided a description of the suspects and are circulating the surveillance footage to aid in their capture. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
As the investigation continues, police stress the importance of updating ATM software to prevent similar crimes. The use of outdated systems makes these machines vulnerable to such attacks, and upgrading them could be a crucial step in safeguarding against future thefts.