Former Macy's employee Trevious Hill, 20, was arrested earlier this month for fraudulent use of a credit card.
So far, two customers had their accounts compromised. According to the arrest warrant, Hill attempted to open numerous credit card accounts using the stolen information.
ABC Action News learned that Hill was arrested in 2014 for forgery. Court records show Hill pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation.
We asked Macy’s to comment about how an employee gained access to customer information and whether or not it is store policy to run background checks.
“Thanks for your email. We have learned from experience that anything we say about our procedures and precautions only serves to help the bad guys, so we do not comment. Thanks for understanding,” said Jim Sluzewski, a Macy's spokesman.
Customers we spoke to outside of Westfield Countryside mall where the Macy’s is located said they weren’t shocked.
“No, I think you have to realize just about anybody is going to do it. You get desperate for stuff, you have to be prepared,” Lisa Kates said.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself. You can pay with cash, which isn't always an option. Or, you can ask your bank or credit card company to email or text you for each purchase. And experts say always monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
Hill is still in jail facing multiple felony charges.
Pinellas County investigators are asking customers who might have shopped at Macy’s during September to December 2015 to check their bank statements for any fraudulent activity.
