A Nebraska woman faces charges after allegedly exploiting a rewards card software glitch to steal over $27,000 worth of gas, according to local authorities. Dawn Thompson, 45, was charged with one count of theft by unlawful taking following an investigation prompted by suspicions raised regarding the unusual activity at a local gas station.
Exploitation of Software Glitch
Authorities stated that Thompson utilized a software glitch in the rewards card system to pump free gas for a period exceeding six months. The glitch, stemming from a software update to the fuel pumps at Pump and Pantry in November 2022, allowed individuals to activate a demo mode by swiping a rewards card twice, thereby bypassing payment for fuel.
Lengthy Period of Exploitation
During the six-month period of exploitation, an estimated 7,413 gallons of gasoline were pumped for free, as per police reports. With the average fuel cost during this period calculated at approximately $3.758 per gallon, the total value of the stolen gas amounted to $27,860.
Detection and Investigation
The exploitation of the glitch was eventually discovered by a loss prevention manager for Bosselman Enterprise, the owner of the gas station. Upon tracing the unauthorized usage back to Thompson, authorities conducted a thorough investigation, which included video surveillance footage capturing Thompson pumping fuel into her vehicle on multiple occasions.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Following the investigation, Thompson was arrested on March 6, culminating in her being charged with theft by unlawful taking. The arrest marked the conclusion of a months-long investigation initiated in October the previous year. Despite the charges, Thompson was not listed on the inmate roster of the Lancaster County Department of Corrections at the time of reporting.
Conclusion
The case involving Dawn Thompson sheds light on the potential vulnerabilities within rewards card systems and underscores the importance of robust security measures to prevent exploitation. As authorities continue to address the aftermath of the gas theft, businesses may need to reassess their systems to safeguard against similar incidents in the future. Thompson’s legal proceedings will likely serve as a cautionary tale regarding the consequences of exploiting software glitches for personal gain.
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