SPOKANE - Three area grocery stores connected to URM Stores were reportedly affected by a criminal cyber attack between September and November, according to a press release from the company.

URM Stores released a list of more than 65 stores in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon believed to be affected by the attack, including Akins Harvest Foods in Quincy, John's Food Store in Soap Lake, and Ritzville Harvest Foods. The owners of the three stores could not be reached for comment Thursday.

No other Harvest Foods or Family Foods in Grant and Adams counties were affected.

In late November, URM Stores announced it found signs of a criminal cyber attack against its payment processing system, similar to attacks reported by other grocery stores and retailers. In response, the company immediately asked a leading computer security firm to investigate and notices were posted in every store and online. The attack was blocked and enhanced security measures were implemented to make the system more secure.

Several stores in Grant County took precautionary measures to keep customer information secure, shutting down the debit and credit card system and using a secondary system not connected to the URM Stores payment system, as well as refunding ATM fees for customers.

URM Stores is continuing to work with law enforcement to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The Spokane-based company believes the attacker could only access information on the magnetic strip of debit and credit cards, including the card account number, expiration date and card verification number. Names of a small number of cardholders may have also been obtained but customer addresses, phone numbers and Social Security numbers were not compromised in the attack.

"We are incredibly grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding through this difficult experience," URM CEO Ray Sprinkle said in a press release. "We are humbled by their support and continue to extend our sincere apologies for any frustration or inconvenience."

URM Stores continues to advise customers to review bank account statements for any unauthorized activity. A dedicated call center remains open for customers who have questions. Customers can call 877-237-7408, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. A list of all the affected stores can be found at www.urmstores.com.