Forever 21 may be latest credit-card breach victim

Zlati Meyer | USA TODAY

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Forever 21 may be the latest retailer to fall victim to a credit card breach.

At issue are payment cards used at certain stores between March and October of this year, according to the company. The encryption of payment-card readers there weren't working and the chain received a third-party report suggesting that there may have been unauthorized access to data from those cards.

The Los Angeles-based clothier hasn't said how many customers could be potentially affected or where the stores are located.

"Forever 21 immediately began an investigation of its payment card systems and engaged a leading security and forensics firm to assist," it said in a statement. "We regret that this incident occurred and apologize for any inconvenience."

The retailer said it implemented new encryption programs in 2015.

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Other companies that have been victims of security breaches recently include Sonic Drive-In, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Holiday Inn.

Forever 21 customers are advised to check their monthly statements to see if there are any charges listed that they didn't make -- and if so, notify the bank that issued the card.

John Ganotis, founder of creditcardinsider.com, said the complicated chain that enables consumers to make purchases using plastic, is what makes the whole system vulnerable.

"There are lot of vendors in processing a credit card; even one weak link can cause a breach like this," he said. "People can find flaws in the system and get in there."

The 33-year-old company has more than 815 stores in 57 countries, according to its website.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Zlati Meyer on Twitter: @ZlatiMeyer