Hacker blamed for missing Taco Bell Vitas

Taco Bell has blamed an external intrusion for "dozens" of disappointed customers whose winning tickets proved to be invalid when it came time to collect the promised Vita.

"We have learned that during a short period of time on January 30th, some people entering our Unlock the Box promotion erroneously received a message suggesting they had won a PlayStation Vita, pending verification," the fast food chain said in a statement issued to CBS Sacramento,

"After a thorough investigation, and an additional review by the independent company administering the promotion, it was confirmed that these entrants viewed these messages as a result of others who attempted to gain illegal entry and defraud the system."

As a result, an unknown number of entrants received a message telling them they'd won, only to later receive emails crushing their hopes of a free portable.

Taco Bell confirmed that those were were erroneously notified of winning will not receive a prize, but has automatically entered affected customers in a second drawing.

The promotion will continue as planned, through March 11. To enter, pick us a $5 Buck Box and register your code online; the chain claims a winner is chosen every 15 minutes.

The Vita is available now.

Thanks, GameInformer.