Hackers get credit card numbers from Portage restaurant

PORTAGE, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Investigators are working to find the hacker who stole credit card information from patrons of a popular restaurant.

Someone stole several credit card numbers from The Spicy Pickle restaurant in Portage and immediately started buying things. More than 100 people have been affected.

The company says the theft didn't happen locally, someone hacked into the company's computer from outside the state, but it is a West Michigan crime, with West Michigan victims.

People like Maaike Wallenstein of Portage are feeling the pinch from the crime. She recently logged onto her bank account and discovered that someone had charged $450 on her debit card at a Wal-Mart in South Carolina. That brought $120 in overdraft charges along with it.

Wallenstein's aunt, and one of her friends had the same situation, charged at Wal-Marts in New York, South Carolina and Tennessee. Wallenstein immediately canceled her account and filed a report with Portage Police.

"I never thought it would happen to me because I'm responsible," Wallenstein said. "I don't leave my stuff out in the open, I check my credit report regularly. You just don't think that you get a sandwich from somewhere and it ends up costing you this much money."

Police say this type of crime happens often, especially during the holidays. In this situation, someone hacked into the restaurant's system, stole the numbers and used them to go shopping.

Who they are is still a mystery, but police say it won't be long before they find them. Police are asking people to be vigilant and not wait for their monthly statements from banks and credit card companies. Instead do like Wallenstein, get online and check those records every week or two, and make some calls if you find a problem.

"If they are affected by this particular type of instance, to notify the bank and the bank will probably tell them to contact their police agency and file a complaint," said Sgt. John Blue of the Portage Police, "in essence, the bank will absorb the loss on this, but it has to be reported right away."

The Spicy Pickle issued a statement saying "On behalf of the entire Spicy Pickle staff, please be assured that we are doing all that is possible to prevent this from happening again."

The statement says that despite firewall software, a hacker managed to steal the numbers, and that the restaurant is working closely with the proper authorities to find those responsible.

The Spicy Pickle says it's installed yet another level of internet security to further protect its clients and to be safe, is currently accepting cash only.

If you are affected by this situation, contact your bank or credit card company, then call Portage Police.