An Arizona man was arrested for charges in connection with a cyber intrusion scheme against a New York-based hair salon company.
Foster Cooley, 23, of Chandler Ariz., is charged with one count of computer fraud for causing damage to a protected computer, one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer to further fraud, one count of receipt of stolen money, one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, according to a Dec. 8 news release.
"Foster Cooley allegedly participated in a scheme to hack into a salon company’s point-of-sale provider and steal over $400,000 of credit card payments from its customers," U.S. Attorney for New York's Southern District Damian Williams said in the news release. "And because Cooley was able to steal this money without stepping foot into one of the salons he stole from, his crimes went undetected for weeks."
Cooley's alleged cyber intrusions targeted a company that owns and operates hair salons in New York City, New Jersey, Colorado and more and stole more than $400,000, the news release said.
The scheme allegedly occurred in May when illegal access to a point-of-sale provider account was gained and then credit card payments were transferred to accounts owned by Cooley and others, according to the release. Cooley is alleged to have misappropriated usernames, passwords and credit card details saved in the victim's internet browser, using malicious software or malware to obtain credentials.
"Hacks like this that compromise the integrity of our electronic payment systems cause great harm to businesses and consumers alike," Williams said in the release. "Thanks to this office's teamwork with the FBI, Cooley is now facing serious criminal charges for his alleged cybercrimes."
The charges together carry maximum sentences of more than 40 years, according to the release.
"As alleged, the defendant hacked into the victim's business systems and diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars to his own bank accounts," FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said in the news release. "The FBI's Cyber Task Force along with our law enforcement partners are committed to tracking down malicious hackers who target private businesses and ensuring they face the consequences for their actions. If your business is the victim of a cyber intrusion, please report it as soon as possible; the faster we are made aware, the sooner we can provide assistance."
