ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Teenage Hacker who Thinks Fraud is Fun Uses Stolen DraftKings Login Data for Audacious Cyber Heist

Garrison's audacious act involved stealing more than $600,000 from over 1,000 unsuspecting customers, leaving the sports betting industry in shock
PUBLISHED DEC 7, 2023
Cover Image Source: istockphoto/Photo by: dem10
Cover Image Source: istockphoto/Photo by: dem10

Betting on matches comes with its fair share of opportunities as well as risks, but in the digital landscape plagued by cybercrime, platforms face as much risk as their users. In a startling turn of events, 18-year-old Joseph Garrison from Wisconsin has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a sophisticated cyber heist targeting sports betting giant DraftKings. Garrison's audacious swindle involved stealing more than $600,000 from over 1,000 unsuspecting customers, leaving the sports betting industry in shock.

The teenager first stole login credentials and then used them to infiltrate the accounts of more than 60,000 DraftKings users in November of last year. He also shared this sensitive information with accomplices who engaged in a fraudulent practice known as "credential stuffing." This method involves using stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access to multiple accounts, resulting in the withdrawal of substantial amounts of cash.

Court documents reveal Garrison's brazen attitude towards his criminal activities, as he reportedly described fraud as fun and wrote that he was addicted to money in his account, in texts to accomplices. These messages reveal the disturbing thrill he derived from exploiting unsuspecting victims.

Image Source: Boonchai/Getty Images
Image Source: Boonchai/Getty Images

DraftKings confirmed the security breach and reiterated its commitment to customer safety. Although the affected customers remain unnamed, the company assured that all stolen money had been refunded. A DraftKings spokesperson stated that the safety and security of customer data is a priority for the platform.

This incident sheds light on the broader issue of cybersecurity in online sports betting, highlighting the vulnerability of platforms to determined hackers. The aftermath of Garrison's actions serves as a stark reminder of the constant need for stringent security measures and the importance of user vigilance.

This is not Garrison's first encounter with the law, as he has faced charges in Wisconsin related to a dangerous practice known as "swatting." As part of that act, Garrison allegedly paid individuals to make bomb threats to his high school using Bitcoin. Court documents suggest that he engaged in swatting because he was "bored and wanted to go home."



 

Further investigations into Garrison's activities revealed a concerning pattern of behavior. It was uncovered that he had amassed over $2.1 million by the age of 18, earning a staggering $15,000 per day between 2018 and 2021. Law enforcement officials, during a search of Garrison's home in February 2023, discovered programs associated with credential stuffing and approximately 40 million username and password combinations on his computer.

Garrison has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit computer burglary, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for a later date.

Pexels | Tima Miroshnichenko
Pexels | Tima Miroshnichenko

As the online landscape continues to evolve, this incident emphasizes the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect users and maintain the integrity of digital platforms. The DraftKings case serves as a cautionary tale, prompting both companies and individuals to remain vigilant in the face of evolving cyber threats, or else they stand to lose a lot more than what they bargained for while taking their chances with online betting.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
A popular name has come up in every conversation about White's successor.
7 hours ago
Lori Greiner wasn't happy at all as Mark Cuban and Maria Sharapova snubbed her for a deal.
10 hours ago
Fans took to Reddit to discuss the issue with Seacrest not reminding the players of one crucial element.
1 day ago
When Rick Harrison's side kick bought King Booker's boots, he had to make sure it was the real deal.
1 day ago
Turns out the Hollywood star is quite the fan of former U.S. President, Ronald Reagan.
1 day ago
Harrison bagged one of Jabbar's personal items and a chance to go to a Lakers game with him
2 days ago
Recently, the Bonus Round of the show has featured many old phrases that led to heartbreaking losses.
2 days ago
Lubetzky was the first to drop out but then came back as he was impressed by the entrepreneur.
3 days ago
The appraiser took the guest's breath away as she was expecting to get much less for it.
3 days ago
The show got close to hitting the record of the longest Bonus Round losing streak.
3 days ago
She continued to be hyperactive throughout the game even with her answers.
3 days ago
With four offers on the table, the founders of Bucket Golf smartly got a deal that they wanted.
3 days ago
Fans took to Reddit to discuss if the show has gotten a little too social for its style.
4 days ago
When the Holy Grail toy came up to Harrison's table, he wasn't willing to let it go.
4 days ago
The founder of 'Noshi Food Paint' was down to the last shark for a deal.
5 days ago
Ashia who won $25,000 executed an epic celebration after her win in the "To The Penny" game.
5 days ago
Harrison was offering more than he usually does but the seller was also adamant.
5 days ago
It turned out that the gift came from one of the greatest American sculptors in history.
5 days ago
The guest who got the collection at an auction was shocked to find out its true value.
6 days ago
The guest who paid $15 for the storage cabinet was pleasantly surprised in the end.
7 days ago