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Credit Card Information At Risk After DMV Vendor Compromised

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Customers statewide are concerned after consumers' credit card information may have been stolen while doing business with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

This weekend's investigation has customers concerned and wondering if their credit card information was stolen while doing business with the DMV.

In a statement, the department said, "The Department of Motor Vehicles has been alerted by law enforcement authorities to a potential security issue within its credit card processing services."

DMV administrators say internal computer systems weren't compromised, but that two external vendors hired to process customers' credit card information were possibly hacked.

CBS13's Kurtis Ming says customers won't be responsible for fraudulent charges tied to credit or debit cards. However, if your debit card is tied to a bank account, it could put you in a situation of fighting to get your money back, which could mean bouncing checks.

"It messes up a lot of people," said DMV customer Tim Hopkins. "As soon as they get your information, it's out there in the open."

Some customers are shocked to learn the DMV even uses private companies to process credit card transactions.

"They should never bring in a third party, because then the third party could maybe give your information to somebody else," said customer Juan Pena.

DMV officials say customers can still use a money order, check or cash as the investigation continues.

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