Canada-based Hudson's Bay Co., has a bit of an issue to contend with this week. They have announced the breach of its store payment systems on Sunday. The company said it was investigating and taking steps to contain the attack. It was a data breach at department store chains Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Off Fifth and Lord & Taylor.
The disclosure came after New York-based security firm Gemini Advisory LLC revealed on Sunday that a hacking group began boasting on dark websites that they had credit card and debit cards for sale.
The company said customers won't be liable for fraudulent charges. It plans to offer free credit monitoring and other identity protection services.
Not sure about you, but I am still happy to shop at both Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor. Unfortunately, consumers as well as these fine retailers are the victims. The news was reported on April 1st (April Fools Day), but I am 99.9% sure that this is not a joke. The news is posted on their own website.
HBC is a diversified global retailer focused on driving the performance of high quality stores and their all-channel offerings, growing through acquisitions, and unlocking the value of real estate holdings. Founded in 1670, HBC is the oldest company in North America. HBC's portfolio today includes formats ranging from luxury to premium department stores to off price fashion shopping destinations, with more than 480 stores and over 66,000 employees around the world.
Here is the official press release from April 1, 2018 as found on the HBC website.
HBC (TSX:HBC) today announced that it has become aware of a data security issue involving customer payment card data at certain Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH, and Lord & Taylor stores in North America. While the investigation is ongoing, there is no indication at this time that this affects the Company's e-commerce or other digital platforms, Hudson's Bay, Home Outfitters, or HBC Europe.
The Company deeply regrets any inconvenience or concern this may cause. HBC wanted to reach out to customers quickly to assure them that they will not be liable for fraudulent charges that may result from this matter. HBC has identified the issue, and has taken steps to contain it. Once the Company has more clarity around the facts, it will notify customers quickly and will offer those impacted free identity protection services, including credit and web monitoring. HBC encourages customers to review their account statements and contact their card issuers immediately if they identify activity or transactions they do not recognize.
The Company is working rapidly with leading data security investigators to get customers the information they need, and the investigation is ongoing. HBC is also coordinating with law enforcement authorities and the payment card companies.
For further information, please visit https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/security-information/notice.html,https://www.saksoff5th.com/security-information/notice.html, or https://www.lordandtaylor.com/security-information/notice.html.
In the coming days, customer care representatives will be available through a dedicated call center to provide further information. The call center information will be posted on the above websites at that time.Learn more about the Hudson Bay Company (HBC) here on Apparel Search.
