Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) — Local authorities are investigating a significant theft at Simplicity Credit Union, located at 222 E Upham St. An incident involving the outdoor ATM was reported to the Marshfield Police Department on December 16 at 3:39 p.m. by the branch manager. The manager stated that the ATM had been “jackpotted” over the weekend, resulting in a loss of between $60,000 and $100,000 in cash.
According to the Marshfield Police report, the initial incident occurred on December 13 at 11:17 p.m. Jackpotting is a form of ATM theft where criminals use malware or physical hardware to take control of an ATM’s internal system, forcing it to dispense large sums of cash on command. In this case, the suspects installed a malicious hard drive to manipulate the machine.
ATM jackpotting often involves sophisticated technology and planning. Suspects typically gain access to the internal components of an ATM by either physically breaking into the machine or using stolen service keys. Once access is gained, they connect a hard drive or malware-infected device to the ATM, allowing them to override its security protocols and issue commands for the machine to dispense cash. This type of theft has been on the rise globally as criminal groups adopt advanced hacking techniques.
If you noticed any suspicious activity near Simplicity Credit Union’s Upham Street location over the weekend or have any relevant details, contact the Marshfield Police Department immediately.
This theft highlights the increasing importance of cybersecurity and physical security measures to protect financial assets. As ATM jackpotting becomes more prevalent, institutions are advised to invest in stronger safeguards to deter such crimes in the future.
This is a developing story.
