Schnucks announces 79 stores had their card systems hacked
Officals at St. Louis-based Schnucks food stores now say customers’ credit and debit cards in mid-Missouri may have been compromised when someone hackedits system.
Schnucks once thought the compromise occurred just in their St. Louis stores.
Monday, store officials expanded the warning to 2.4 million customers who shopped at one of 79 locations.
Columbia and Jefferson City are among those stores affected.
Schnucks began its investigation back in March after customers started reporting fraud after they shopped at Schnucks.
Investigators determined the system was hacked.
“We believe this event may have affected cards used in 79 of our 100 stores between early December 2012 and late March 2013,” CEO Scott Schnuck said in a video statement.
But those at risk of fraud are now at risk of being scammed.
Schnucks also issued a warning saying scammers are posing as investigators, calling possible victims requesting personal information.
Most shoppers told ABC 17 News they were worried, but they have faith in the banks to track and fix the situation.
“When I’ve had disputes on my debit card and my credit card, the companies have all been very timely dealing with it,” Schnucks shopper Jennifer Lampe told ABC 17 News.
Schnucks is advising anyone who experiences fraud to contact the card company immediately.
The grocery chain says it is working with law enforcement to find the person responsible.
“We will continue to work closely with the Missouri attorney general’s office, U.S. Secret Service, FBI and credit card companies to protect our customers,” Schnuck said.
Even if you have not experienced any fraud on your card, Schnucks leaders are encouraging anyone who shopped at their store between December of last year and March of this year toget newcards.
Officals warn that even if you haven’tbeen avictim, hackers could still access your card.
Schucks has set up a call center to help customers who are affected.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to call 1-888-414-8022.
