URM says cards are back in business

Electronic card readers at regional grocery stores are back online after a weeklong hiatus.

Spokane grocery wholesaler URM Stores announced in a news release this week that the company had successfully strengthened security for its payment processing system. The system is shared by URM-supplied stores around the Northwest including Rosauers, Family Foods, Harvest Foods, Super 1 Foods and Yoke's.

"Cards are safe to use," CEO Ray Sprinkle said. "We are extremely grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding."

URM had asked customers to use cash or check during the past week at member stores after the company discovered a breach in its computer-based system. URM-affiliated stores were identified as "common points of purchase" for card numbers tied to an outbreak of credit and debit card fraud.

In the news release, Sprinkle advised customers to continue monitoring their bank accounts for signs of fraud, as cards used prior to Monday remain vulnerable.

URM Stores is working alongside payment data processor First Data, a card security firm and credit card companies to identify compromised card information. Next, Sprinkle said the company is looking to pinpoint stores that were targeted in the attack. The company is working with the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies to find the thieves responsible for the attack.

Sprinkle is urging customers to contact their credit card company if they find fraudulent charges on their accounts. Most major credit card companies have "zero-liability" clauses guaranteeing consumers are not stuck with the bill.

At least one area bank said the number of fraud cases, which spiked last month, have returned to normal levels.

"It's pretty much stopped," said Jody Servatius, president of Twin River National Bank in Lewiston.

For customers still concerned about their card's integrity, URM has kept open a call center dedicated to fielding questions about the fraud reports. The center can be reached at (877) 237-7408.

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Brown may be contacted at dbrown@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2278. Follow him on Twitter @DylanBrown26.