COLUMBUS, Ohio – Keep calm, and check your bank account.
That’s the advice Ohioans are getting in the wake of the massive security breach at Target.
“First of all, if you used a credit card at Target in the past few weeks, don’t panic. You are not liable for any fraudulent charges on your account and there are some simple things you can do to make sure your card was not used fraudulently,” said Kip Morse, president and CEO of the Central Ohio Better Business Bureaus.
The retail chain has confirmed its system was breached between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. More than 40 million customers’ credit and debit card information may have been compromised.
“Just because your information has been compromised does not necessarily mean you will become the victim of identity theft. Nevertheless, it’s important to take proactive steps to identify potential problems and take corrective action as quickly as possible,” Ohio attorney general Mike DeWine said.
The Identity Theft Unit in DeWine’s office helps victims rectify the effects of identity theft and can be reached at 800-282-0515 or on the attorney general’s office website.
Cyber security expert Jim Stickley says the security breach is unlike anything he’s ever seen. He says the criminals have access to pins and card codes, which can be used to create credit cards that are exactly like owner’s.
For those who shopped with a credit card, the BBB recommends:
Monitor credit card statements carefully online; don’t wait for the paper statement. If you see a fraudulent charge, report it to your bank or credit card issuer immediately so the charge can be reversed and a new card issued.
Keep receipts in case you need to prove which charges you authorized and which ones you did not.
For those who shopped with a debit card:
Do all of the above as for credit cards, but pay very careful attention to your account, as debit cards do not have the same protections as credit cards and debit transactions withdraw funds directly from your bank account.
Contact your bank for more information, or if you want to pre-emptively request a new debit card or put a security block on your account.