ATHENS, Ga. — A Georgia-based restaurant firm says suspicious computer files have been found at some of its locations, prompting it to warn customers about the potential for fraud.

Zaxby's Franchising Inc. said in a statement that the suspicious files may have resulted in unauthorized access to credit and debit card information at more than 100 stores, including five in North Carolina.

The Athens-based firm says there are also affected stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and Virginia.

Company officials say the issue involves malware files, which could have been used to export guest names and credit and debit card numbers. The company says it notified law enforcement of the potential criminal activity. Zaxby's says a forensic investigation hasn't determined whether credit or debit card data left the processing systems of any stores.

The North Carolina locations affected are:

• 1410 Jeffreys Road in Rocky Mount
• 4409 S. 17th St. in Wilmington
• 6811 Gordon Road in Wilmington
• 922 E. Main St. in Lincolnton
• 2035 E. Tower Road in Greenville

Anyone who has eaten at Zaxby's recently should check credit card and bank accounts carefully for fraudulent activity, the company said. It's also a good idea to pay with cash at Zaxby's stores until the matter is resolved. 

Anyone who believes they might be a fraud victim should contact the state Attorney General's Office.