Summary
Highlights
The descent into crime00:00:00
The story follows two addicts, who lost their jobs and had no money for drugs, as they turn to petty theft and eventually devise a scheme to manipulate digital payment QR codes at small businesses.
Testing the QR code scam00:05:19
Inspired by a social media warning, they start by pasting their own QR codes over the ones at street stalls. They realize that during busy hours, shop owners often don't verify if the money actually lands in their accounts.
Escalation to payment soundbox fraud00:12:43
The duo upgrades their scheme by posing as bank staff to install 'payment notification speakers' (soundboxes) in stores. These devices are rigged to announce payments, tricking owners into thinking they've received money while the funds are diverted to the scammers' accounts.
The downfall00:18:04
As store owners start realizing they haven't received their funds, they begin to investigate and report the discrepancies. The scammers' attempt to hit one last shop leads to their capture by police, who had already collected evidence from security cameras and digital transaction trails.