The Kirkland Michaels store, located at 9755 N.E. Juanita Drive, has been found to be apart of a ring of tampered debit card PIN pads that include 90 stores nationwide and five in Western Washington. The tampered PIN pads are believed to have compromised customers’ debit and credit card information from February 8 through May 6. Michaels has since disabled the compromised devices and removed the threat.

The other four Michaels stores identified in Western Washington were located in Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville and Tukwila.

The company learned of the problem after police investigated multiple reports of fraudulent transactions.

“We are confident Michaels stores are a safe place to shop,” said Michaels CEO John Menzer.  “We want to express how deeply we regret any issues experienced by our loyal customers who have been affected in any way, and thank all our customers for their support.”

As of May 12 fewer than 100 customer PIN debit cards have been reportedly used in fraudulent transactions nationwide. Police have had no reports of fraudulent credit card transactions in association with the case.

Initially, Michaels removed approximately 7,200 PIN pads thought to be compromised from its U.S. stores.

“Michaels continues to work closely with payment card brands and issuers to identify the accounts that may have been compromised so issuers can employ enhanced fraud security measures immediately on potentially impacted accounts. In addition, the company is assisting federal and state law enforcement authorities to help find the persons responsible for the crimes,” said a statement on the companies Web site. “Michaels continues to urge customers to take precautionary measures such as checking their accounts for unauthorized transactions. Consumers who believe their accounts were used without authorization should contact the card issuer directly.”

The Better Business Bureau recommends that consumers who have made purchases from Michaels Stores are encouraged to monitor bank statements, report unusual account activity, and change PINs and security settings. If accounts were accessed without authorization, consumers should contact their card issuer immediately to dispute charges.

Micheals has 964 US stores nationwide and is based in Irving, Texas.

For additional information and updates, including a list of stores where tampered PIN pads were found, visit the Michaels website at www.Michaels.com.

Customers may also call for 800-MICHAELS (642-4235) with questions.