Hackers steal Shell customer details

Online hackers have stolen personal information from almost 6000 Shell customers in New Zealand and Australia.

Shell spokeswoman Jackie Maitland confirmed today that 1400 New Zealand customers were affected and another 4500 in Australia.

Both the New Zealand police e-crimes unit and the Queensland police were investigating.

Ms Maitland said the information obtained by the hackers was contained in online application forms for a Shell fuel card.

The company became aware of the hacking on February 17 and has contacted all the people concerned.

"The information obtained is equivalent to what would normally be found on business cards and cheques - including company names, address details, email addresses and some bank account details," Ms Maitland said.

The company advised its customers to take precautions over the coming months and report any breaches of their security to police.

- NZPA