SAM'S CLUB Investigating Credit Card Fraud at Some Fuel Stations

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- SAM'S CLUB announced today it is working closely with Visa and MasterCard to investigate credit card fraud affecting cardholders who purchased gas at SAM'S CLUB stations between Sept. 21 and Oct. 2, 2005. SAM'S CLUB stressed that the electronic systems and databases used inside its stores and for http://samsclub.com/ are not involved.

The investigation began when the credit card issuers reported that some cardholders were reporting fraudulent charges on their statements. It is still in its preliminary stages, with no determination on how the data was improperly obtained.

"The primary concern at SAM'S CLUB is the protection of our members," said Executive Vice President Mark Goodman. "We will do everything possible to make sure their private information is protected from unauthorized use or disclosure."

SAM'S CLUB is working with Visa and MasterCard to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the fraud. The company also has notified the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Arkansas and the United States Secret Service and asked for their assistance in the investigation.

About SAM'S CLUB

SAM'S CLUB (http://samsclub.com/), a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., is the largest warehouse chain in the United States serving small business owners and operators. The purchasing agent of choice, SAM'S CLUB provides every day low cost to more than 47 million entrepreneurs and consumers nationwide.