Genesco Inc., the parent of Journeys and Hat World, said information on credit cards used at its stores may have been taken in a “criminal” intrusion into its computer network.
The company said Friday It doesn't know the extent of the breach but said credit- or debit-card numbers, expiration dates and card verification codes may have been taken. It is conducting an investigation with the help of an outside expert, but believes the intrusion has been contained.
The intrusion covered a portion of its computer network that processes payment card transactions for its U.S. Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys and Johnston & Murphy stores, and for some of its Underground Station stores. The Hat World chain and its Canadian stores are believed to have been unaffected. Genesco did not say when the breach occurred, only noting it uncovered it “recently.”
The company said it took immediate steps to secure the affected part of its network, believes the intrusion has been contained and is confident that its customers can safely use their credit and debit cards in the company's stores. It added, “The company currently has no reason to believe that personal information, such as names, addresses or Social Security numbers, was acquired by the intruder.”
Law-enforcement officials have been contacted and Genesco is cooperating with authorities to find those responsible for the breach. Major payment card brands have also been notified and are cooperating in the investigation.
Chairman, president and CEO Robert Dennis said in a statement, “Since we learned of the intrusion, we have worked diligently with outside experts to protect our customers' information and we are confident that they are safe shopping with their credit and debit cards at our stores. We recommend that our customers review their card statements and other account information carefully and immediately notify their card issuer if they suspect fraudulent use. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this attack on our network may cause our customers.”
Genesco set up a toll-free hotline at (877) 441-2998 for customers who have further questions. Its statement also included a letter from Dennis providing information to customers about the intrusion and also provided additional steps they can take to protect their personal information. These steps included now to place security freeze on an individual's credit report, order a free credit report, and place a fraud alert on a credit report. It also pointed out that suspicious activity on credit reports are grounds for filing a police report.
