Just when you thought all was back to normal and it was safe to pay for a meal with a credit or debit card, hackers strike again. This time the target is PF Chang’s.
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro confirms that there has been a breach involving data from customers’ credit and debit cards used at its restaurants between March and May. The company says it learned of the security breach on Tuesday from the U.S. Secret Service and began investigating the breach with the agency and a team of forensics experts. Credit and debit cards were exposed during the breach, but they have not pinpointed how many cards were affected. Company officials also are working on finding out the exact dates of when the security breach started and what stores were affected.
The Arizona based chain is taking extra precautions for now by going old school and using manual credit card imprinting devices at all of it’s P.F. Chang’s restaurants to process card payments for the duration of the investigation.
On the company’s website they have released a statement that they have created a public website, pfchangs.com/security, for customers to receive updates and answers to their questions. Patrons can also call 1-877-782-6356 for additional questions. The company is also encouraging its customers to be vigilant about checking credit card and bank statements and to report any fraudulent activity immediately.
There are over 200 P.F. Chang’s restaurants around the country. This breach comes on the heels of security breaches at Target, Neiman Marcus, Michaels, and Sally Beauty Supply.
Photo credit: PF Changs