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An internal issue, not to a problem at the merchant's processor, caused a computer glitch last month at Macy's Inc. department stores that led to multiple debits to some customers' checking accounts (CardLine, 12/30/08), a Macy's spokesperson tells CardLine. "This was a very small issue that was identified and addressed quickly," the spokesperson says. The glitch occurred between 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Dec. 20 and affected only debit card transactions. An internal investigation revealed that a third-party's processing software did not cause the problem as Macy's originally believed. The cause of the glitch, which affected 8,000 consumers, did create some backlash, however. Earlier this month, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced he was opening his own investigation into the problem. In a statement, Blumenthal said some Connecticut consumers reported multiple billings "on or around Christmas Eve," and he is seeking consumer compensation, but did not file a lawsuit. Macy's says it provided refunds to affected consumers.
