Hundreds missing money after visit to Burger King: Victims wonder why they weren't warned

WAUWATOSA -- More than 1,000 customers have had their financial information stolen after visiting the Burger King near 124th and Capitol Drive. For months, restaurant officials weren't warning their customers they may be at risk. Victims and banks officials are now wondering why customers weren't warned.

Burger King near 124th and Capitol in Wauwatosa

"That's the happiest I've ever been to have my card declined," said Joe Havey.

Havey was all smiles after his card was declined when he tried to buy a Whopper at the Burger King restaurant near 124th and Capitol in Wauwatosa.

It turns out, his bank had his back.

Joe Havey

Lyneen Fischer is a security specialist with North Shore Bank. At least a dozen financial institutions have watched as money has disappeared from customers' accounts.

All of these victims have one thing in common: They all made purchases at the Burger King restaurant in Wauwatosa.

For more than two months, restaurant officials haven't warned customers they may be at risk.

But bank officials are.

And after FOX6's story on Wednesday, December 9th -- on Thursday, this sign was posted at the restaurant:

Burger King restaurant near 124th and Capitol in Wauwatosa

"We were not surprised that we still had fraud, but we were surprised it had not been handled yet," said Fischer.

The problem appears to have started in early October. Police reports show a computer virus was on the Burger King's machines that may have been sending customer's financial information to crooks overseas.

Restaurant officials brought in an expert to wipe the bug -- but it didn't work.

To date, police say more than 1,000 cards have been compromised, totaling more than $160,000 and counting.

Burger King restaurant near 124th and Capitol in Wauwatosa

Burger King near 124th & Capitol in Wauwatosa

Customers say it's unethical that they had to find out about this through a FOX6 News report, instead of before they handed their card over at Burger King.

"I'm just relieved it's Burger King and not me," said Havey.

FOX6 News reached out to the Burger King franchise owner, V & J Foods.

V & J Foods officials said they had no comment -- instead referring us to a Burger King corporate number.

Our calls have not been returned.