TikTok user Miquela (@kella_k) recently shared a warning for users of the Starbucks app after discovering suspicious activity on her account.
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In the video, which has been viewed more than 526,900 times, Michela describes how someone accessed her account, used her saved payment information, and even redeemed her Stars.
“We’re sending a PSA to people who use the Starbucks app for mobile ordering, earning stars, or just having a fun account,” Michela began.
What went wrong with the Starbucks app?
This woman explains that she uses the Starbucks app almost every day, especially for mobile ordering and collecting stars. But when I checked my bank account on a recent payday, I realized something wasn’t right.
“I’m looking at all the Starbucks deals,” she said, confused because it was early in the morning and the local Starbucks wasn’t open yet.
When Michela noticed a charge she didn’t recognize, she checked her app history. She was shocked, but realized that someone had accessed her account and placed several orders using the debit card she had saved.
“If your app has debit or credit cards preloaded, we strongly recommend that you remove them,” she warned.
The unknown user made several purchases, including four drinks with extra caramel and syrup and a sandwich. They then returned to buy more drinks and snacks, making $33 in one visit and several more transactions throughout the day.
In conclusion, Miquela advises other users of the Starbucks app not to save payment details in the app.
“Go to the drive-thru, hand in your card, and scan the star,” she suggests.
As a final bonus, Michela also noticed that the thieves had also redeemed Stars, a perk that Starbucks offers to frequent customers.
“As if using my card to buy drinks and food wasn’t enough, they redeemed my star,” she concluded.
How can I avoid being hacked?
Identity theft is a major problem in the United States. The Identity Theft Resource Center reported that 353 million Americans’ personal information was compromised in 2023. This is a 72% increase from 2021.
Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself online.
For example, multi-factor authentication is a protection method recommended by all experts as it effectively prevents anyone other than you from accessing your account.
Other methods include using a password manager, familiarizing yourself with common phishing techniques, and updating your passwords frequently.
According to its official website, Starbucks urges users to contact customer support immediately if they encounter suspicious activity. The Daily Dot has contacted the company for further information.
Viewers share more advice
In the comments, users were surprised as to why this happened, and others shared security tips.
“How could that happen!?!?” asked one user. “They must have gotten my password to log into the @Starbucks app. Unfortunately, I had my debit card saved as a payment method,” Michela responded.
“For me, I need Face ID to load money onto my Starbucks card,” said another user. “Isn’t that the norm for everyone??”
“Do you have two-factor authentication enabled?” asked a third person. Michela also answered this question, writing: “I didn’t…now I do!”
The Daily Dot reached out to Michela via messages on Instagram and TikTok. I also contacted Starbucks via email.
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