About 2.4 million credit and debit cards used at Schnucks grocery stores, including locations in our area, have been potentially compromised.
Area stores potentially affected include several stores in Rockford, Illinois as well as the location at 858 Middle Road in Bettendorf, Iowa.
The company hired a computer forensic firm which found evidence of computer code that would capture data from the magnetic stripe on the back of payment cards. Store officials said only the card and expiration date would have been accessed, and not the cardholder’s name, address or any other identifying information.
“If you used your card at any one of the affected stores between December 2012 and March 29, 2013 your card could have been accessed,” said a statement on the Schucks website.
“Be sure to monitor your account or proactively contact the bank, credit union, or other financial institution that issued your card,” the statement said.
Company officials said they are continuing to alert banks so they can take steps to help protect cardholders. They think it is now safe to use your cards at their stores.
“On behalf of myself, the Schnuck family, and all of our 15,000 teammates, I apologize to everyone affected by this incident,” said Chairman and CEO Scott Schnuck. “Over the years, technology has helped us deliver superior customer service, but it also introduces risks that we have actively worked to manage through compliance audits, encryption technology and various other security measures.”
Schnucks also has a hotline dedicated to the issue. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through April 21 at 1-888-414-8022.
