Hackers stole $8,156 from the Reidville Fire District’s payroll accounts, WSPA reports.
The theft surfaced when six firefighters, including the chief, did not receive a regular direct deposit of their paychecks. They contacted the Spartansburg Sheriff and the hunt began for the missing money.
The investigation concluded that hackers gained access to the department’s payroll portal through an email exchange with accountants in which the hackers spoofed their identity to appear to be fire department personnel.
With that access, hackers changed the accounts that the checks were routed to, with the money going to untraceable debit cards.
A review of the IP addresses used in the hack showed Nigeria, Florida and California computers were likely involved in the crime.
The department has now revised its policies so that any change in banking information will now require both an email and a phone call. Insurance will pay for the damages.
