A local restaurant reports a security breach affecting its customers. Hackers tapped into the credit card machines at Marco's, stealing credit and debit card numbers from several customers, wiping out their bank accounts.
Like any weeknight at Marco's Restaurant, owner Mark Poulos wass busy with loyal customers who've been coming there for generations, including for Tuesday's steak deal otherwise known as 'cheap meat night.'
One week ago, Mark learned his credit card swipe machines had been breached.
Now investigators are trying to learn how outside computer hackers broke through firewalls and encrypted codes to get at his customer's credit cards.
"We have been a victim, its been horrifying for us as well when your credibility is questioned. We've been here 25 years and it's a good legit business."
Lora Popov visited Marco's in April with a group of friends when her credit card information was stolen.
"The total was $1,000 taken out. It basically was devastating because my whole account was locked," said Popov.
She had charges from as far away as South America.
Cyber crooks also got Michael O'Neal's information. O'Neal had a little over $600 stolen.
Mark Poulos estimates a total of about 500 of his customers have been hit. Immediately he learned it wasn't any of his servers, but a computer hacker on the outside who somehow breached his machines encrypted internet connection.
Poulos says, "If it happened here it could happen anywhere."
The Secret Service is now involved. Banks and credit companies were able to help customers like Lora Popov and Michael O'Neal. Mark says he has followed all compliance instructions to a T.
"We've replaced everything with new computers and then we wiped out all our software," said Poulos.
Customers have been supportive, knowing it wasn't Mark's fault, though he remains on high alert.
"Marco's is a great place and Mark is a good person, its a shame its happened but you put safeguard in place somebody's gonna figure it out," said O'Neal.
