Idaho prisoners rob hundreds of thousands



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A survey showed that more than 360 inmates have hacked the JPay system to increase their account balances by nearly $ 225,000 in credits, according to Jeffrey Ray, a spokesman for the Correctional Service of Canada. Idaho

JPay, a service provided by CenturyLink, allows inmates to download games and music to portable players, the statement said.

The investigation conducted by the State Department of Corrections, JPay and CenturyLink, revealed that inmates at five correctional institutions in Idaho had increased credit on their accounts.

Fifty of the detainees gave themselves over $ 1,000 in credits, the statement said. One inmate managed to obtain credits of almost $ 10,000, the highest amount.

"This conduct was intentional and not accidental," Ray said in the statement. "This required knowledge of the JPay system and the multiple actions of each inmate who exploited the vulnerability of the system to credit his account incorrectly."

Idaho's DOC pointed out that taxpayers' money was not involved in the hacking and that no real money had been stolen. Inmates simply gave themselves additional credits, allowing them to purchase access to entertainment and email.

In a statement, JPay stated that "the vast majority of individuals use our secure technology appropriately," noting that it allows inmates to access educational, entertainment and communication programs. with their family members. It was found that individuals had miscredited their accounts, creating credits that could be used to buy content, "the statement said." Once the problem was discovered, it was corrected quickly. "

Up to 39 JPay has now recovered $ 65,318.89 in unauthorized credits, and has suspended inmates' ability to download music and games until the company is compensated for the damages. losses, according to the DOC They are still able to send and receive e-mails

The detainees involved have been charged with a disciplinary offense that may result in a temporary loss of privilege.

Joe Sutton and Tina Burnside of CNN contributed to this report.

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