Hannaford Card Data Intrusion Updates

3/25/08--This updates the information provided last week. We have since been notified by MasterCard that a small number of names may have been included in the data that was accessed. Therefore, we have decided that the most prudent approach is for us to cancel the affected Merrimack debit cards. Notices are being mailed to these customers early this week, with cards to be reissued shortly thereafter. If your card was affected, you will receive notification and reissue instructions shortly.

From a broader perspective (not just relating to your debit card or this particular incident), there are steps you can take on an ongoing basis to protect yourself against identity theft and fraudulent activity, and we encourage you to take advantage of them. For example:

  • Carefully and routinely examine all debit and credit card billings and other such transaction reports to verify charges. If anything looks suspicious, promptly report the incident.
  • Obtain a copy of your free annual credit report. Become familiar with it and review it at least annually so you can readily identify and correct any mistakes or fraudulent activity. You may obtain the report by calling 1-877-322-8228 or visiting online at www.annualcreditreport.com.

If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 603-225-2793 or toll-free at 800-541-0006.

3/21/08--Merrimack County Savings Bank has recently been notified by MasterCard that there was a data intrusion into the computer of a MasterCard merchant. Subsequent reports have identified the merchant as Hannaford Brothers. This intrusion may have resulted in the theft of some of our customers’ debit card numbers. It has been reported by Hannaford that the stolen data was limited to credit and debit card numbers and expiration dates, but that no personal information, such as names or addresses, was accessed. According to Hannaford, the intrusion affected Hannaford stores in the Northeast, Sweetbay stores in Florida, and certain independently-owned retail locations in the Northeast that carry Hannaford products. It is reported that the intrusion occurred from December 7, 2007 through March 10, 2008. For more information about Hannaford and to read the President’s message about this incident, visit www.Hannaford.com.

At this time, no fraudulent activity has been reported on our customers’ cards. However, a number of cards were affected by the intrusion, and those cardholders will be notified by mail. Any reported fraudulent activity will result in immediate notification and card reissue. We are monitoring the situation closely, and will provide updates as they become available. Please note, as well, that Merrimack 24 MasterMoney debit cards are protected by the MasterCard Zero Liability program, and some limitations apply. You may visit www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/cardholderservices/zeroliability.html for details.

We encourage you to take the following measures to protect your account:

  • Review transaction activity on your bank statements and on Merrimack County Savings Bank’s online banking or automated telephone banking services.
  • Be wary of anyone who contacts you via phone or email and attempts to obtain personal data or asks you to confirm personal details about your account. The Merrimack will not contact customers via phone or email to obtain or verify your personal information.
  • When you need to provide a social security number or other confidential information always know whom you are providing this information to and why it is being requested.
  • Review your credit report at least annually to monitor for unfamiliar transactions. Contact www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 for your free annual credit report.