Security breach affects local Michaels

Madison’s two Michaels locations were included in a major security breach that has affected about 2.6 million credit cards used at the national retailer’s stores. Debit and credit cards used at the east Madison store on Lien Road between May 8 and July 29, 2013 may have been compromised. Cards used at the Middleton location in Greenway Station may have been affected during three periods: May 8 to Oct. 9, 2013; Oct. 17 to Nov. 24, 2013; and Dec. 11, 2013 to Jan. 18, 2014. Payment card numbers and expiration dates are at risk, but thus far there is no indication that names, addresses, or PIN numbers were stolen. Michaels Stores, Inc., is offering affected customers free identity protection, credit monitoring, and fraud assistance services for a year.