Meals ordered from a bot were refunded… Two men, suspected of hacking the delivery platform Uber Eats via encrypted messaging Telegram for an amount estimated at over 2 million euros, were arrested on Tuesday and tried on Thursday, the we learned on Saturday from a source close to the matter.
The information revealed by The Parisian The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed this to AFP. One of the suspects was arrested in Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique) and the other in Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine), a source close to the case added.
The two men were charged and placed under judicial supervision in Paris on Thursday, the prosecution said.
Organized fraud between gangs
The cybercrime section has opened a judicial investigation for fraud by organized gangs against the American online platform aimed at enabling an illicit transaction by an organized gang, the prosecutor’s office said.
Uber Eats filed a complaint on April 22 after finding that meal orders had received improper refunds since January 2022.
The investigations were entrusted to the gendarmes of the SR (research section) of Paris who arrested the two men.
137,000 fraudulent accounts
The Telegram channel “Fast Eats” offered to place orders on the platform at -50% of the real value of the meals. The defendants thus recovered 50% of the actual value of the order, as well as a full refund from the Uber Eats company, the prosecution said.
The authors used new customer accounts for each order, allowing the first order to be refunded. To do this, they used a fraudulent program (bot), allowing them to automate their tasks. According to the same source, 137,000 fraudulent accounts were thus discovered.
From technology experts
The American company estimated the damages at 2.4 million euros, for the period between January 1, 2022 and June 26, 2024.
The investigation revealed that the Telegram channel “Fast Eats” offered two types of services: the sale of meal orders at -50% and the sale of “tech”, training courses intended to guide a beginner step by step to allow him to carry out scams himself. These “techs” were sold between 300 and 500 euros.
According to another source close to the case, the young man arrested in Ile-de-France, born in 1996, without a criminal record and without a profession, is suspected of being the owner of the Telegram channel, of having received money and of having made approximately 200,000 disappear euros of cryptocurrencies. “He disputes the facts of which he is accused,” his lawyer, Me Ian Knafou, told AFP.
What are some common signs that an online platform has been compromised by cybercrime?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special segment where we delve into the complex world of cybercrime and its implications on everyday platforms. Today, we have Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in cybersecurity and digital fraud. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Recently, two men were arrested for allegedly hacking Uber Eats through Telegram, resulting in an estimated loss of over 2 million euros. What are your initial thoughts on this case?
Dr. Carter: It’s a striking example of how organized crime has adapted to the digital age. The use of encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram for coordinating such activities illustrates a trend we’ve been seeing—criminals taking advantage of secure channels to mask their operations.
Editor: That’s fascinating and quite alarming. The prosecution has opened an investigation into organized fraud. From your perspective, why is this significant for the broader fight against cybercrime?
Dr. Carter: This case highlights the need for law enforcement to adapt their methods as quickly as criminals adapt theirs. Organized fraud represents a tier of cybercrime that requires extensive collaboration not just within national jurisdictions but also internationally. The complexity of the crimes involved makes it crucial for authorities to team up.
Editor: Definitely, collaboration is key. Given that Uber Eats discovered improper refunds dating back to January 2022, how often do you think similar frauds go undetected for long periods?
Dr. Carter: Unfortunately, quite often. Many companies may not have the right monitoring systems in place to detect unusual patterns or anomalies in their transactions. When such frauds occur, they can lead not just to financial losses but also to compromised consumer trust, which can be much harder to rebuild.
Editor: That brings us to customer impact. What should consumers keep in mind regarding their interactions with platforms like Uber Eats to protect themselves?
Dr. Carter: Consumers should be vigilant about checking their statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions. Additionally, they should use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where available. Being aware and cautious greatly decreases the risk of falling victim to scams.
Editor: You mentioned collaboration among law enforcement earlier. How can tech companies like Uber Eats bolster their defenses against organized crime?
Dr. Carter: They need to invest in advanced cybersecurity measures, including machine learning algorithms that can identify fraudulent behavior in real time. Moreover, fostering a culture of security awareness among employees is vital, as human error can often be the weakest link in a company’s security chain.
Editor: This is enlightening. as we see increasing reliance on digital platforms, what future trends do you envision in cybercrime and cybersecurity?
Dr. Carter: As technology evolves, we will see more sophisticated attacks, potentially leveraging AI for even greater deception. I anticipate a stronger focus on proactive strategies in cybersecurity, with companies and law enforcement working together to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights today. This conversation sheds light on an increasingly important issue in our digital age.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for the opportunity! It’s vital we continue these discussions to promote awareness and preparedness against cyber threats.
Editor: Absolutely. And to our viewers, remember to stay vigilant and informed. Until next time, stay safe online!
