Creative proletarian solutions to the credit crunch

Hackers were able to access the computers of RBS WorldPay, an Atlanta-based firm that processes electronic financial transactions, the FBI said. Using information gleaned from the company's computers, the FBI said, the hackers cloned payroll debit cards—which some companies use to pay wages.

Then, in a Hollywood twist, they got the cards into the hands of people all over the world—including six to eight in the Chicago region—who made thousands of ATM withdrawals over 10 hours starting Nov. 8, the FBI said.

"What makes this different than a typical case . . . is the tremendous amount of coordination and the very high degree of sophistication that those behind this scam obviously have," said Frank Bochte, an FBI spokesman in Chicago.

from the Trib