ROANOKE, Va. – Advance Auto Parts reported yesterday a network intrusion that may have impacted 14 of its stores, potentially compromising financial information of up to 56,000 customers.

The following 14 Advance Auto Parts stores were affected by this network intrusion:

Advance has notified its credit, debit and check processors. As a precautionary measure, the company has also started sending letters directly to the impacted customers it has been able to identify. Customers who purchased products in the 14 stores and who do not receive a letter can call the toll-free number listed below to determine if they have been impacted.

Advance is also working with the appropriate law enforcement officials who are conducting a criminal investigation. The company said it believes that the incident has been contained; however, it will continue to investigate and has partnered with a leading global third-party security expert to assist in the investigation.

“Safeguarding our customers’ confidential financial information is extremely important to Advance Auto Parts, and we take this responsibility very seriously,” said Darren Jackson, president and chief executive officer.

Advance has taken the following measures, effective immediately:

* Advance has provided additional information on its web site — www.advanceautoparts.com — for potentially impacted customers from its 14 stores to review.

* The company has also established a special toll-free number with dedicated resources for potentially impacted customers who made purchases in the 14 stores to call to ask questions. The special toll-free number is 800-704-1154. Customer service representatives will be available to answer questions seven days a week from 8 am until 12 midnight EDT through May 31.

* Advance has also arranged to help affected customers who made purchases in the 14 stores protect their identity and credit information. Advance is offering the affected customers a credit monitoring product from a national credit reporting agency at no cost for one year. This product allows affected customers to monitor their financial information from all three national credit reporting agencies.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this attack on our network may cause. Advance Auto Parts has been dedicated for the past 75 years to earning customer trust and for providing legendary customer service. We strive to serve each and every customer better than anyone else,” said Jackson. “We truly appreciate the business of each Advance Auto Parts customer.”