It was reported in the news May 13, 2011.
CHICAGO, Ill.—
If you shop at Michaels stores and pay electronically, your bank information could have been compromised.
Someone tampered with nearly 100 pin entry pads at Michaels stores in 20 states, including Illinois. The tampered devices made customers’ bank information available to crooks.
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XIllinois The scheme was discovered after customers began reporting fraudulent transactions to law enforcement. Two Illinois women are credited with discovering the crime.
Store officials say they’re replacing more than 7,000 pin pads even though only about 90 were actually compromised.
There is no word yet from store officials or law enforcement concerning who might be responsible for the tampering. The scope and time frame also remain unclear.
The Better Business Bureau warns customers who might be vulnerable to avoid waiting. Instead, take immediate action.
That action includes contacting your bank or credit card company to confirm no fraudulent transactions happened. You should change pin numbers on any cards which might be compromised and contact the credit bureaus to be sure no new accounts have been opened in your name
Michaels issued this e-mail statement to customers on its mailing list:
Dear Michaels Customer:
Michaels has just learned that it may have been a victim of PIN pad tampering in the Chicago area and that customer credit and debit card information may have been compromised.
In the event that this is a more widespread issue, we are taking the precautionary measure of alerting all of our customers so that they may protect themselves. We recommend immediately contacting your bank and/or credit card company to check for and report any unauthorized charges, as well as seek their advice on how to protect your account in the event that your information has been taken.
Additional information is available on the Federal Trade Commission website at
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/cons...s/alt150.shtm.
I know this doesn't make you feel better, I'd be mad too that the bank didn't notify you so you could get a new card in the works sooner. It's a pain. I've had it done to me. Good luck, keep aware of your bank statements. You only have usually 60 days to protest a debit to your account before it becomes null and void. Cheryl