Auckland, NZ | March 19, 2025 –A cyberattack on James Pascoe Group shut down payment systems, forcing major retailers like Farmers and Whitcoulls into cash-only mode. Customers and businesses were left scrambling.
Over the weekend, shoppers at Farmers and Whitcoulls were blindsided by sudden checkout failures. Many were turned away without their purchases, while others rushed to find ATMs in a desperate bid to pay in cash. Sophie Harris, a shopper in Auckland said:
It was absolute chaos. People were panicking—no one carries cash anymore!
James Pascoe Group, the parent company of these retailers, later confirmed it had suffered a cybersecurity breach, forcing it to notify the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC). A company spokesperson said:
We are actively investigating the breach and working to restore full services.
While the attackers remain unknown, experts warn this could be a ransomware strike, following a global pattern of cyberattacks crippling retail giants.
The breach has major implications for New Zealand’s retail sector, as fears of customer data leaks grow. Officials are urging businesses to bolster cybersecurity before another attack strikes.
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