Credit card info possibly stolen from Sonic customers

Millions of credit card numbers may have been stolen from customers of the fast-food chain, Sonic Drive-In.

Information for five million credit cards recently went up for sale online. Experts noticed most seemed to have one thing in common - they had been used at Sonic.

The fast-food company is now saying their credit card processor informed them last week of some unusual activity regarding customer cards. They have engaged the help of forensic and law enforcement experts to figure out what's going on.

Sonic has about 3,500 locations in 45 states. The credit card information being sold is considered of high value because most customers wouldn't have canceled their accounts yet.

It is also indexed for sale by city, state and zip code so that potential buyers can purposely purchase cards that were stolen from folks who live nearby. Credit card companies typically flag or block out-of-state transactions automatically and this is a way for the crooks to avoid anti-fraud protection.

It's unclear if Sonic is the only common tie for card carriers or if this is the tip of the iceberg for a much larger issue. Either way, if you have used your card at a Sonic location you are encouraged to check your bank and credit card accounts regularly.

Because payment information was stolen and not personal information like with the recent Equifax breach, it is unlikely this will lead to new lines of credit in your name. Crooks would instead be limited to using the card you already have.

So review your statements and balances. You can report any unauthorized activity to your bank or credit card company and then request a refund and a new card number.