Australia Computer misprint blamed for M5 bungle

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Computer misprint blamed for M5 bungle

Source: AAP | Published: Tuesday May 9, 11:46 AM

Hundreds of motorists participating in the M5 tollway's cashback scheme have been issued with each other's credit card details in a bungle blamed on a computer misprint.

Under the scheme, motorists give the south-western roadway's operator, Interlink Roads Pty Ltd, an advance to use the tollway with the details recorded on monthly statements.

However, the company today admitted a computer error had resulted in some of the statements being mixed up.

While it was not known how many motorists were affected, an Interlink spokeswoman said there was little chance of credit card details being exploited.

"The first four digits are crossed out on all the statements so it is impossible to use them," she said.

However New South Wales opposition spokesman for western Sydney, Charlie Lynn, said motorists should be extremely concerned.

Mr Lynn checked his statement details after learning of the bungle yesterday.

He said the credit card number and the total payment sought were incorrect.

"Now if I've got someone else's card number, someone's got mine," Mr Lynn said.

"There is going to be some entrepreneur among the 50,000 people who use this roadway who will figure out how to take advantage of this."

It is understood the statements will be re-issued.

http://www.theage.com.au/breaking/0005/09/A50267-2000May9.shtml

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), May 09, 2000


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