What to do about the Hannaford credit card security breach
Hannaford has reported that its credit and debit card transaction system has been breached and millions of shoppers' card numbers have potentially been exposed for the last three months. The company says every one of its stores has had a card compromised, which means: If you've used your credit or debit card at a Hannaford any time since December 2007, your number may have been leaked.
So, what now?
Hannaford is asking shoppers to report any suspicious transactions to their card companies. Also, Hannaford has posted a number you can call if you have any questions for them: 866-591-4580.
According to info from the Federal Trade Commission, the maximum amount in fraudulent credit card charges you can be held accountable for is $50. Debit cards have different rules, though. If you report debit card fraud within two days, the limit is $50. But if you don't report the transaction within two days, you could be on the hook for up to $500. And if you don't report it in 60 days, you could responsible for unlimited losses. So, the sooner you report something weird, the better.
Also, as Consumerist points out, now would be a good time to close out your current cards and open up new ones.
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Comments
I called my credit card company right away because Hannaford is the only place I shop. The check card half of my bank knew already but the credit card half of my bank didn't. That is how on top of these things you folks are. Thank you. Too bad I had to order all new cards. I can't spend any money for at most a week until my new cards come in (unless I want to old school it and get out of work to get cash from a teller.) Maybe I'll be better for it.
... said Katherine on Mar 18, 2008 at 12:33 PM | link