In 2014, Jimmy John’s, a popular sandwich chain, announced a data security incident that compromised customer information at numerous of its locations. This breach highlights the risks consumers face and the importance of data protection, even when grabbing a quick bite at your favorite sandwich shop. Several Jimmy John’s locations were affected in this incident, raising concerns for customers who frequented these stores during the specified period.
The security lapse stemmed from hackers gaining unauthorized access to the point-of-sale (POS) systems in 216 Jimmy John’s stores. By stealing login credentials from a vendor, cybercriminals were able to remotely infiltrate these systems. This access allowed them to potentially steal sensitive customer data, specifically from in-store transactions. The information compromised included credit and debit card numbers, cardholder names, verification codes, and expiration dates. It’s important to note that transactions made online were reportedly not affected by this breach.
An exterior view of a Jimmy John’s location, representative of stores potentially affected by data breaches.
For customers in Indiana, several Jimmy John’s locations were among those impacted. Specifically, five stores in the Indianapolis area and further locations in Carmel, Columbus, Lafayette, Bloomington, Hobart, Evansville, and Portage were listed as compromised. The timeframe for potentially affected transactions varied by location, generally falling between June and August 2014. For example, the Jimmy John’s location at 1 N. Meridian in Indianapolis was affected between June 16 and August 8, 2014. Customers who made purchases at these Jimmy John’s locations during the indicated dates were advised to monitor their financial accounts for any unauthorized activity.
To address the concerns of affected customers, Jimmy John’s offered identity protection services. Individuals who believed their information might have been compromised were encouraged to contact the dedicated helpline provided by the company to learn more about these services and how to protect themselves from potential identity theft.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat of data breaches and the importance of vigilance. While Jimmy John’s locations strive to provide convenient and tasty food, this event underscores the need for robust security measures to safeguard customer data. If you believe you may have been affected by this breach at Jimmy John’s locations, it is advisable to take proactive steps to protect your personal and financial information.
