Parsons plugged his MP3 player into the back of free standing
cash machines and was able to use it to read data about customers'
cards. That data could then be used to 'clone' cards and use them
for bogus purchases.
Free standing machines are typically found in shops and bars,
and they allowed Parsons to plug his machine into the back of them
in a way that would be impossible in wall mounted dispensers.
The MP3 player recorded customer details as they were
transmitted over phone lines to the bank. Tones were read as they
were transmitted and used to clone cards.
The case was heard at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester.
Parsons was sentenced to 32 months in prison for the scam. Though
£200,000 was spent on the cards, police said they believed that
Parsons himself only earned £14,000 through it.
Police uncovered the scam almost by accident when they stopped
Parsons for making an illegal u-turn in a car in London. They found
a fake bank card in his possession and searched his home in
Manchester, where they found the evidence with which to
prosecute.
He denied the charges of fraud at first but eventually admitted
to possessing equipment to make a false instrument, deception and
unlawful interception of a public telecommunication transmission.
He is believed to have had accomplices.
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