Hackers have now found a way of using Starbucks smartphone payment app to allow them to take money from their customer’s accounts.
Hackers are able to use the Starbucks smartphone app to be able to take money from their customer’s bank, credit card and PayPal accounts.
Starbucks app allows people to pay for their drinks and food using their mobile phone if their account has been linked to an online payment service.
But hackers have discovered a way of getting into the app, then take advantage of the app’s cash auto reload function, along with their online gift cards that so many of their customers use.
Once they have access the hackers are then able to transfer funds from the customers account to themselves.
Starbucks have acknowledged that this is a problem, but say there isn’t any flaw in the app. It is the use of weak passwords by their customers that are to blame.
But they say customers won’t be held responsible for any charges against their accounts that they didn’t make.
This issue, which has seen up to hundreds of dollars being taken from a customer’s account, appears to be confined to the US at this time.
Those customers affected have been receiving repeated emails that tell them that there was a financial problem. But they weren’t able to stop the transfers from taking place.
Starbucks have issued a statement: “If a customer believes their account has been subject to fraudulent activity, they are encouraged to contact both Starbucks and their financial institution immediately.”
“Customers are not responsible for charges or transfers they did not make. If a customer’s Starbucks Card is registered, their account balance is protected.”
It is recommend by consumer rights experts that those who have this app should change their password. They should also make sure that the auto reload feature, which comes with this app is disabled.