Update: Credit Breach Reported at Beef 'O' Brady's

Update Sept. 9, 5:02 p.m.: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has issued an official statement in regard to the credit breach. It says the breach is isolated to four South Florida stores.

“This is not a system-wide breach,” spokesman Brian Jaeger said in the state. “We are currently working with the FBI, Secret Service, as well as local law enforcement agencies in the locations where we have identified a breach and are taking the necessary steps to ensure the security of systems in place.”

Earlier:

Tampa-based Beef ‘O’ Brady’s joins a growing list of retailers who have reported credit breaches in recent weeks.

The breach was first reported in North Port where customers at four separate locations may have had their credit and debit card information stolen, according to Channel 10. Customers complained to North Port Police about fraudulent transactions on their statements. With some help from the U.S. Secret Service, the breach traced back to Beef’s, the station reported.

The unauthorized purchases on victims’ accounts were made in locations across the country, including New York, Massachusetts and Texas, FOX reported.

While the breach was initially discovered in North Port, it extends beyond that community, FOX said. Other Beef locations across Florida may also be affected.

It is unclear at this time which restaurant locations in particular may have suffered the breach, but WFLA reports the chain is working with law enforcement and is installing a new payment network to prevent future compromises.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is a franchise chain with locations across the country, primarily in Florida, according to its website. The company got its start in 1985 when the first location was opened in Brandon.

It is not clear at this time if the breach extends beyond Florida. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s did not immediately return calls from Patch in regard to the breach.

North Port police are urging people to keep up with their financial statements, FOX reported. If a fraudulent purchase is detected, victims should contact their financial institution, local police and all three credit bureaus – Transunion, Equifax and Experian.

The Home Depot and P.J. Chang’s are among other retailers who have confirmed security breaches in recent weeks.

See Also:

• P.F. Chang’s Credit Card Breach Includes Clearwater
• Home Depot Confirms Security Breach