Aldi: Tampered terminals installed in stores

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - We now have more on the debit card fraud investigation at Aldi grocery stores. 24-hour News 8 exclusively broke the news two weeks ago of a federal investigation underway. We have since relentlessly asked Aldi for more information regarding the scope of the fraud. On Friday, the company revealed that tampered payment card terminals were placed in Aldi stores between June 1 and Aug. 31.

Aldi stores in 11 states were affected. They are as follows: the greater Hartford area of Connecticut, the greater Atlanta area of Georgia, the greater Chicago area of Illinois, the greater Indianapolis area of Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, the greater Rochester area and lower Hudson Valley areas of New York, the greater Charlotte and Raleigh areas of North Carolina, the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas of Pennsylvania, the greater Charlotte area of South Carolina, and the greater Washington D.C. area.

Aldi leaders insist they immediately reported the crime to federal law enforcement authorities and removed all terminals they "believe may have been affected." Leaders say they also notified "relevant payment card brands" and took additional security measures.

However, the store failed to alert the public to the fraud until after 24-Hour News 8 exposed the matter on Sept. 17. The company is now revealing more information only after repeated questions from 24-Hour News 8.

One question that the company refuses to answer is the following: "Is it now safe to use a debit card at Aldi?" The company spokesperson answered our question by referring to their press release which states company leaders believe they have removed affected machines.

Should customers have questions, the company now has a number to call. It's 877-412-7152.