WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Credit card fraud popping up as computer systems at restaurants are hacked
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BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - It's happened again. Computer systems at several restaurants across south Louisiana have been compromised. It's costing local businesses and banks thousands of dollars. One victim tells us that his debit card was even used overseas. The Secret Service is working with banks and businesses in Baton Rouge and all across south Louisiana, trying to get to the bottom of things. This is a serious issue and everyone is advised to take caution.
Steven Jordan recently got a shocking phone call from his bank. Someone in South Africa charged nearly $2500 worth of goods on his debit card. Johnson is not alone. Three other people in his office got a similar blow to their wallets. "We came back and started looking at common transactions between us. We were able to isolate a couple of places around town where we have all used our credit cards," he says.
It turns someone tapped into computer software programs in several restaurants all across south Louisiana. "We feel violated as operators. "I feel like someone stole something out of my building. They just did it in a way I would never envision they could do it, by hacking into my computer system," says Teri Casso, owner of "On the Half Shell." She's been a restaurateur for 12 years. So far, in order to ensure the security of her customers' cards, Casso has shelled out more than $25,000.
She now has real-time monitoring on every transaction, which makes it easier to keep an eye on things. "These systems really need to be continuously updated, continuously monitored," she says. Casso has been in touch with the Secret Service on the matter. She also has a message for the other restaurants whose systems have been breached. "Go offline. Go back to the old dial up method of swiping because it's by far more secure than the internet connections are right now."
If you believe your debit card has been fraudulently used, call your bank. Johnson suggests you check your debit card account every day, just in case.
Reporter: Keitha Nelson, WAFB 9NEWS
