Aldi yanks debit card terminals that may have been compromised

Aldi grocery stores have removed debit card terminals that were possibly used to steal customer credit card information, the retailer said in a news release.

The removal of the machines comes after about 250 customers in Wheeling, St. Charles, Buffalo Grove, Elburn and Kane County reported having their bank accounts drained by thieves who obtained their credit and debit card information through those machines.

In a statement released by Aldi, spokeswoman Michele Williams acknowledged "the security of a limited number of debit card terminals at some stores may have been compromised through tampering."

They also said in the statement that Aldi has conducted a thorough review of all stores nationwide and "removed terminals that may have been affected."

It's believed by police that thieves made debit cards with information either gleaned from skimming devices that swipe the customer's card information as they make a purchase or by hacking into the store's network.

At least 30 St. Charles residents have come forward since Sept. 16, claiming they were victims of debit card fraud involving area Aldi stores, according to St. Charles police.

Those came forward after about 200 people in Wheeling and Buffalo Grove also contacted police about having their accounts accessed and money removed.

Police departments in those areas said they are continuing to investigate along with the Secret Service.