US: Hackers hit Delhaize chains

By: just-food.com | 18 March 2008

Two US supermarket chains have fallen victim to identity fraud after hackers broke into the grocers' computer networks and stole credit and debit card details.

Hannaford Bros. Co. and Sweetbay Supermarket, both owned by Belgium's Delhaize, said hackers got access to the data as the cards were being authorised.

The theft of data hit Hannaford stores in New England and New York state and Sweetbay stores in Florida.

However, the grocers insisted no personal information, including names or addresses, was seized.

Hannaford said it had first become aware of "unusual credit card activity" on 27 February and launched an investigation.

"We have taken aggressive steps to augment our network security capabilities. Hannaford doesn't collect, know or keep any personally identifiable customer information from transactions," said Hannaford president and CEO Ronald Hodge.

Sectors: Retail

Companies: Delhaize