Cyber Group Targets Australian Men with ‘Pink Attax’ Micro-Thefts
In a twist on the typical narrative of cybercrime, a feminist anarchist group known as the “Bea Arthurs” has been conducting a series of targeted micro-thefts across Australia, affecting men and boys with a peculiar and symbolic frequency. Mirroring the average menstrual cycle, the group executes up to 15 unauthorised 50-cent withdrawals from their targets’ bank accounts each month, cleverly disguised as ordinary grocery purchases.
The anonymous group named after famed Golden Girl, Bea Arthur have openly stated that their actions are intended to highlight and satirise the so-called “pink attax”- the higher prices women often pay for products specifically marketed towards them, including essential health items. By flipping the script, they aim to draw attention to gender-based pricing disparities and provoke discussion on the subject.
These micro-thefts are a form of protest against the additional financial burdens placed on anyone with a uterus. So we’ve target men with malware to remove on average $4,000 over time. If men had to endure similar costs imposed by societal norms, perhaps there would be quicker, more comprehensive reforms.
The campaign has been cleverly designed to evade immediate detection, with the small amounts typically going unnoticed among more substantial bank transactions. However, as more began to report these deductions, the pattern became clear, and the underlying message of the attack came into sharp focus.
Public reaction to the Bea Arthurs’ campaign has been sharply divided. While some dismiss the thefts as trivial and even somewhat amusing, others describe feeling a deep sense of violation, with many men feeling quite hurt.
As this unconventional form of activism continues, the story of the Bea Arthurs challenges the public to consider the everyday inequalities faced by those who menstruate in a direct and somewhat jarring manner. Whether one views them as villains or vigilantes, the financial attacks have been a real kick in the guts for those affected.
Words by Mia Clarke