Ringleader of Comcast Ripoff Scam Sentenced to Prison in Montco
By Brad Segall
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- The mastermind of a scam that cost Comcast Corpration more than $2.4 million has been sentenced to at least three years in state prison by a judge in Montgomery County.
Prosecutors say Alston Buchanan employed more than two dozen people who would spread the word that, for an upfront payment, they could have their monthly Comcast bills reduced.
The 30-year-old Philadelphia man knew how to hack into the system and apply promo codes. More than 5,700 accounts were affected.
Today, Buchanan was sentenced to 3-6 years in prison followed by seven years' probation.
"While he attempted to justify his crime, there's no justification for hacking into a computer system you don't own and causing such a large loss," said Montgomery County prosecutor Jeremy Lupo.
Buchanan was also ordered to repay more than $600,000.
When he was arrested, police found ledgers with names, addresses, phone numbers, and account information, and more than $100,000 in cash.