SEATTLE - Aout 1,500 Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air customers have been notified of credit card misuse by a former call center employee.

The former employee reportedly misused payment card information by some customers who paid for reservation changes. Instead of processing the payment to Alaska or Horizon, the individual diverted the payments to a personal account.

Customers are not responsible for repaying the diversions, which took place between August 2006 and June 2008.

AP File photo

The company sent letters on Tuesday to affected customers who had provided an address; for others who did not, a notice is being posted on the Alaska Airlines Web site.

Alaska Airlines is now working with authorities, who are investigating the incidents. Affected customers are encouraged to review their payment card statements to ensure there have not been any unauthorized transactions. Customers can also contact their bank or credit card company or order a free credit card report.

Customers can also contact Alaska or Horizon for more information at (800) 401-5403 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.