Debit card theft probe focuses on Aldi stores
A Batavia-based national grocery store chain with locations in Buffalo Grove and Wheeling is now involved in an investigation of a recent string of automated teller machine thefts in the Northwest suburbs.
A statement released by Aldi on Friday said some debit card terminals at stores may have been tampered with in an effort to steal debit card information. The store says it's removed machines that may have been affected.
Aldi has conducted a nationwide search of its stores, according to the statement, but it didn't say whether any stores in the Chicago area could have had faulty debit card terminals.
On Thursday, a Wheeling police official said several victims of the ATM thefts all swiped their debit cards at one particular store in town. Police wouldn't say what store that is.
Aldi has a Wheeling location at 901 W. Dundee Road.
The chain recommends customers contact their bank or debit card companies if they have questions about their accounts.
For its part, Aldi has contacted card networks "so they can take appropriate steps such as monitoring accounts or reissuing cards," according to the statement.
A total of $100,000 may have been lost by victims in Wheeling and Buffalo Grove as a result of the card withdrawal thefts, police say. Police first started receiving complaints Sept. 12.
The Secret Service is assisting Wheeling and Buffalo Grove police in the investigation.
Aldi says its working closely with law enforcement officials, but couldn't provide further details.