PORT ANGELES — The FBI is helping city officials investigate reports by residents that their credit cards have been compromised, city officials announced in a prepared statement late Monday.
City officials shut down the city’s credit card payment services until further notice while the investigation continues, according to the statement issued at 5:22 p.m.
The reports that customers’ credit cards were possibly compromised were received by city officials Monday morning, according to the statement.
The city’s online payment services were shut down by mid-day Monday.
Local, state and federal law enforcement has been notified, and the FBI is participating in the investigation, according to the statement.
Officials did not know when the investigation will be completed.
“The city began an investigation immediately to determine if, in fact, there has been a compromise, and if so, the extent,” the statement read.
“The city is using external resources to assist in the investigation.
“Until the issue is clarified, the city has shut down card payment services, and we are not accepting credit or debit cards at this time.
“Cash and check payments will still be accepted.”
Officials advised that residents who have used a credit or debit card to pay for utilities or other city services verify their transactions.
City finance department officials did not return calls about the reported breach Monday afternoon.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.