FBI Investigating Aldi Store Bank Account Hacking Scheme

PITTSBURGH,None — Police said people in several states have fallen victim to an elaborate bank account hacking scheme after shopping at Aldi grocery stores. Investigators aren't sure how many customers' bank accounts have been compromised, but police said they do know of victims from the Pittsburgh area.

Suzanne Schaffer from Pittsburgh said she is one of the victims. She said when she recently checked her account, she noticed a significant sum of money missing.

"Six-hundred dollars is a lot of money for someone on a fixed income," Schaffer said.

Police said the criminals hacked into her account and stole $600 in two unauthorized ATM withdrawals. Schaffer said when she filed a police report, she learned that she was not the only victim.

Bethel Park police said they're investigating several similar crimes and that all of the victims used their debit cards at a local Aldi store.

Aldi store representatives said they are working to notify their customers about payment card terminals that were tampered with, that "enabled the thieves to fraudulently obtain payment card information." Aldi representatives said that information includes the customer's name, account number and personal identification number.

The FBI is now on the case because Aldi representatives said the high-tech crime hit stores in 11 states.

Investigators said anyone who shopped at Aldi between June 1 and Aug. 31 should keep a close eye on their bank account and credit report.

Police said if you think you are a victim, you should contact your local police department and file a report.

Police said you should also alert the FBI. The phone number for the FBI is 412-432-4000.

You can also call the Aldi security line at 877-412-7152 during normal business hours.

So far no arrests have been made.

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