Cyber-crime, stolen money situation still being investigated
July 27, 2010 — The district continues to work with officials to recover the missing $497,000 that was stolen in a cyber-crime attack on the district's bank account last December--even though the bank may not be responsible if the money is not recovered.
Recently, the district switched its accounts to a new bank, HSBC, in an effort to avoid cyber crime in the future. Furthermore, the board is aggressively pursuing all avenues with state and federal government officials and is looking into possible legal action.
Over the past few months there have been editorials and letters to the editor in the Daily Gazette regarding the district's unrecovered funds situation. In a recent Daily Gazette letter to the editor, the board and the superintendent agree with other editorials that claim it's an outrage that the taxpayers of the Duanesburg School District are expected to foot the bill. In fact, Senator Schumer even hopes to amend the resolution that protects individuals to include municipalities and school districts from cyber crime fraud. His office is quoted in an editorial as having said: "The current regulations weren't meant to put school districts at a disadvantage when dealing with cyber crime, and we are looking at potentially amending the law to treat schools and municipalities as individuals."
The Duanesburg Board of Education is encouraging others to contact Senator Charles Schumer on this issue. Letters can be addressed to him at: Leo OBrien Bldg., Room 420, Albany, NY 12207 or call call (518) 431-4070.
The original story posted in January, can be read here. View a list of questions and answers about the online theft of funds. Additionally, the various letters to the editor and editorials are listed below as PDFs.
> March 3, 2010: Daily Gazette editorial
> May 10, 2010: Duanesburg School District's letter to Senator Schumer
> July 7, 2010: Daily Gazette article
> July 10, 2010: Daily Gazette editorial
> July 21, 2010: Duanesburg Board of Education and Superintendent Daily Gazette letter to the editor