NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Madison Square Garden Company (NYSE:MSG) is notifying customers that it identified and has addressed a payment card issue. This issue may have affected cards used at merchandise and food and beverage locations at Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre and The Chicago Theatre. After MSG was notified that payment card issuing banks identified a transaction pattern indicating a potential data security concern, MSG immediately commenced an investigation and engaged leading computer security firms to examine its network. In the last week of October 2016, as soon as the investigation found signs of external unauthorized access, MSG worked with security firms to stop it and to implement enhanced security measures. MSG is also working with law enforcement regarding this matter.
Findings from the investigation show external unauthorized access to MSG’s payment processing system for the properties listed above and the installation of a program that looked for payment card data as that data was being routed through the system for authorization. Data contained in the magnetic stripe on the back of payment cards swiped in person at the MSG locations listed above between November 9, 2015 and October 24, 2016 may be affected, including credit card numbers, cardholder names, expiration dates and internal verification codes. Not all cards used during this timeframe were affected, and this incident did not involve cards used at MSG websites, the venues’ Box Offices or on Ticketmaster.
It is important to note that MSG has fixed the issue, and customers may use their cards with confidence at MSG venues.
MSG is providing information on its website, www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com/customerupdate, regarding steps customers can take to guard against misuse of payment card information. Potentially affected customers are advised to remain vigilant by regularly reviewing their payment card statements for any unauthorized activity. Customers should immediately report any unauthorized charges to their card issuer because payment card rules generally provide that cardholders are not responsible for unauthorized charges reported in a timely manner. The phone number to call is usually on the back of the payment card.
MSG recognizes the importance of protecting customer data and deeply regrets any inconvenience this incident may have caused its customers. MSG has set up a dedicated call center for customer inquiries regarding this matter. Individuals can call 844-319-9619 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday (except major holidays).