Hospital and police officials report debit/credit card abuse

U-M Hospital Security Services and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) are investigating reports of activity that may have involved someone obtaining access to information from debit and credit cards used in University Hospital (UH) retail food outlets. The investigation is continuing and information still is being gathered, but officials believe it is prudent to notify individuals who may have used their debit cards or credit cards in UH retail food service facilities in the last six months (prior to Oct. 13) so they can take appropriate action.

What is known so far

More than 40 reports have been filed this month with hospital security, alleging unauthorized debits or charges processed to individual accounts. Most of the unauthorized transactions have been purchases made out of state during August, September and October. Most victims stated they had used their debit cards in hospital retail food outlets, providing a possible common denominator between them. As of Oct. 13, all debit/credit services within UH retail food services were suspended until the matter is investigated completely and resolved. House Officer meal-allowance transactions via MCards and the Entrée Plus system still are being accepted.

What to do

This situation serves as a reminder to everyone to carefully monitor all account statements for accuracy on a regular basis, officials say. Anyone who used a debit card or credit card at a University Hospital food service facility in the last six months, through Oct. 13, should examine their accounts and work with their financial institutions to determine if further action is required.

If unusual activity is detected on an account, in addition to contacting the financial institution, a police report should be filed with DPS by calling 763-1131 or U-M Hospitals and Health Centers Security at 936-7890.

For additional questions or concerns call the U-M Health System Office of Contract Administration at 763-9458 or the U-M Health System Operations and Support Services office at 763-9908.

Next steps

In addition to the ongoing investigation by DPS, U-M will continue to review and monitor security measures intended to protect these transactions.

Account holders may consider notifying the three major credit-reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on their name. Contact Equifax at (888) 766-0008, Experian at (888) 397-3742 and TransUnion at (800) 680-7289.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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