Walgreens’ e-mails accessed without permission

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Drugstore chain Walgreens said a marketing and communications vendor that it uses, Epsilon, has informed the company about unauthorized access to its customers’ e-mail addresses.

The retailer joins JPMorgan Chase & Co. and grocery operator Kroger Co., which also use the same vendor to send e-mails, as the latest company to announce a breach of information.

Walgreens said law- enforcement authorities have been notified and are investigating the matter, according to a statement released late Saturday.

Walgreens said e-mail addresses were the only information obtained in this incident and no other personally identifiable information is stored with Epsilon. The retailer said it encourages consumers to be mindful of common e-mail scams involving requests for sensitive information. The company does not send e-mails asking for credit card information, social security numbers or other personally identifiable information. Walgreens’ customers can call 1-855-814-0010 regarding the issue.

JPMorgan said Friday the affected files did not include customers’ financial details.

Kroger said a database with customer names and e-mail addresses was breached, but not any information connected with their 1-2-3 Rewards Mastercard accounts.