AUGUSTA, MAINE – In January, the nation’s fifth-largest payment processing company, Heartland Payment Systems, announced a security breach of financial information.  The company, which is based in New Jersey, is believed to have a large market share in Maine, putting thousands of Maine consumers at risk.

So far, over a dozen Maine Credit Unions and Banks have reissued cards to their members.  The issue is not facing just Maine, officials say, it is affecting the entire banking and credit industry around the country.

Representative Sean Flaherty, (D-Scarborough) is hoping that people will take note and try to resolve any issues before it is too late.  It is unclear, at this point, how this security breach resembles the one affecting Hannaford Brothers last year.  “When I investigated the Hannaford issue a year ago, it became clear to me that Hannaford had quickly increased their security measures to address the problem,” Flaherty said.  “But this issue has Federal implications, and at this point, the best thing to do re-check your credit card and debit card statements for any fraudulent activity.”

Rep. Flaherty added that many financial institutions in Maine and around the nation will cover the cost of fraudulent activity if it is caught early enough.  “We can all check our statements online or over the phone quickly and easily,” Flaherty noted.  “It is important to report any suspicious charges immediately.”

Sean Flaherty, a Scarborough native, represents House District 127, which includes half of Scarborough.  He can be reached through his website www.SeanFlaherty.org, e-mail  at RepSean.Flaherty@legislature.maine.gov, by phone at 450-4188, or US Mail to PO Box 6998 Scarborough, ME 04070.