In a recent finding published by a company called Hannaford Bros., it was revealed that over 4 million credit card’s info was breached. It is shocking news that is enough to alert you about the perils of using plastic money at grocery stores. The superstore has more than 2000 stores countrywide and of the 4.2 million cards which were breached, 1800 cases of fraud were reported.

The company was gracious enough to warn its loyal customers about this shocking incident and has asked the customers to monitor their cards periodically to see if there are any unexpected or unwarranted charges. It suggested reporting to the authorities if anything foul is found. It also notified to its customers that no great harm has been done and no personal info has been exposed, so there is no need to panic. The company further said that if someone calls up posing as a representative of Hannaford, the customers should not reveal any info under any circumstances.

Card analysts say that in such situations where card info is stolen, debit card holders are at much greater risk as credit card companies are known to reimburse if the charges of fraudulent withdrawal are proven. However, banks are hard to impress in such cases and you would be better off if you pay in cash rather than use your debit card to make payments at a grocery store. As soon as you get to know that your debit card number has been exposed you should request the bank to cancel it.

Massachusetts Bankers Association has been critical of the manner in which the entire episode was handled by Hannaford. Bruce Spitzer, an official spokesman of the association blamed Hannaford for the delay in bringing to the notice of the customers that such a incident happened. They got to know about this shocking revelation on Feb 27 and they intimated the customers about it on March 17. Why they took so long is beyond comprehension. They have also not made it clear the branches which have been most affected.

It is very difficult for the banks conduct an enquiry on behalf of their customers unless they are told the branches of the store where this alleged breach took place. Unless Hannaford comes out with specific names of the stores where this terrible leakage took place, it is difficult for the customers to consider themselves as safe. Whether or not you get to know the specific names, it would be my advice not to use your credit cards for payment at groceries.

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