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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Boys Get Credit Card Numbers In On-Line Scam

Associated Press

Two boys posed as billing representatives for an online service and stole at least 15 credit card numbers to buy $15,000 worth of merchandise, from computer equipment to cymbals, police said.

Other South Brunswick teenagers are being investigated, police said.

The two 16-year-olds were charged with 39 counts of possession of stolen property, theft and attempted fraud. They were released to the custody of their parents until a court hearing.

Police believe the boys obtained a program designed by computer hackers to flimflam customers of America Online. It sends a message to users saying they will be cut off if they don’t type in their name, credit card account number and computer service password.