Hannaford Supermarket Data Breach
Information updated as of March 21, 2008
Q: Is it true that there was a recent incident involving a data compromise at Hannaford Brothers?
A: Yes. It has been reported in the media that Hannaford Brothers experienced a card security breach. The security breach occurred between December 7, 2007 and March 10, 2008. The compromised data included debit and credit account information. Please be aware that this was not a breach of St. Mary’s Bank data or systems, but that of Hannaford’s data and systems.
Q: Will my St. Mary’s Visa debit card be reissued?
A: If we are notified by Visa that your card has been compromised, it will be automatically reissued. Not all St. Mary’s Bank Visa Debit Cards are affected by this data breach. Affected card holders will receive a letter of the compromise and information about the automatic card reissue process. If your card is reissued, you may continue to use your existing card until the new card arrives and is activated by you. We will continue to monitor your existing St. Mary’s Bank debit card activity using our fraud detection software. This software helps monitor member accounts to identify spending patterns outside of normal activity. Members would be contacted for verification if suspicious transactions are identified.
Q: What should I do?
A: You will not be responsible for any unauthorized transactions on your card under Visa’s Zero Liability Protection Policy. Please monitor your account through both your monthly statement and Internet access and let us know immediately if you see unauthorized purchases. It is recommended to review all account activity from December 7th on. Additionally, St. Mary’s Bank uses fraud detection software to help monitor member accounts to identify spending patterns outside of normal activity. Members would be contacted for verification if suspicious transactions are identified.
Q: How did this happen?
A: There are many reasons a card can become compromised, such as stolen identity, Internet fraud, etc. We are not provided with the specific reason by VISA USA Fraud control. Media reports indicate the compromise with Hannaford is currently under investigation.
Q: When did the incident occur?
A: The incident occurred between December 7, 2007 and March 10, 2008.
Q: What can I do to ensure this doesn’t happen to me again?
A: While we employ the latest systems and technology to monitor and prevent card fraud, and many merchants also take the necessary precautions to protect your card information, there are some practical steps you can take to help protect yourself:
- Check your account statement and immediately report any transactions that you don’t recognize
- Destroy all receipts before discarding them since some of them may have your card number printed on them
- Guard your card - don’t use it as collateral or give out your card number to someone on the phone, unless you initiated the call for a purchase
- Check your credit report at least annually to ensure its accuracy
Q: Where can members get up-to-date information?
A: Please call our Member Contact Center at 1-888-786-2791.
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