Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Months of agony for BA credit card hack victims
True extent of fraud may yet emerge
BRITISH Airways customers whose bank card details were hacked face months of uncertainty before the true impact of the fraud is clear.
Some have already reported thefts from their accounts, but there are fears crooks could try less obvious scams too.
The 380,000 people whose payment details were hacked between August 21 and September 5 were warned to cancel credit cards, change all passwords and keep a close eye on bank statements.
They were also advised to check their credit ratings which could reveal if their details were used to secure shady loans in their name. Consumer watchdog Which? said: “Fraudsters know people will be vigilant so will try tactics like applying for loans using their details which can go undetected for a while.”
Cyber security experts said the attack could be worth millions on the dark web with the gang selling details for around £56 per credit card.
Simon Migliano of Top10vpn.com said: “Financial information is extremely valuable and the value of the 380,000 hacked accounts on the dark web could be as much as £21.5million.”
Customers were furious BA did not contact them before the attack was reported in the news.
One BA Gold member who lost cash to the crooks said: “This shouldn’t have happened with a worldwide group.”
Others tweeted about losses of nearly £2,000.
Ex-apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry tweeted: “Found out from news, before you had the decency to tell me yourself I was likely affected. I’m travelling alone in Vietnam and had to put stop on the card, which makes me vulnerable.”
BA boss Alex Cruz apologised for the “sophisticated” attack. The airline said: “No BA customer will be left out of pocket as a result of this criminal cyber attack on its website and mobile app. “BA will not be contacting any customers asking for payment card details, any such requests should be reported to the police.”
BA could face a £500million fine under the Data Protection Act. Shares in parent group IAG fell 3.44% after the news but they rallied and closed at 672p, 1.35% down last night.