[December 21, 2013]CHICAGO — Attorney General Lisa
Madigan warns consumers to be on the lookout for unauthorized
charges in the wake of a massive data breach at Target stores
nationwide.
Madigan said her office is looking into the breach of customers'
personal financial information and has contacted Target
representatives to learn how many Illinois consumers are affected
and what the company is doing to assist those customers.
"With (Thursday's) announcement by Target that as many as 40
million Americans' credit and debit card information has been
compromised, it is critical that consumers be vigilant in checking
their credit card and bank account statements for any unauthorized
charges," Madigan said. "If you discover an unauthorized charge,
contact your bank immediately to dispute it. Consumers in need of
assistance can visit my website or contact my Identity Theft
Hotline." (Web
page; hotline: 1-866-999-5630)
Madigan offered tips for consumers who believe they were affected
by the data breach:
Monitor your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized
charges, especially consumers who used a credit or debit card at
Target between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15.
If you see an unauthorized charge on your account, contact your
card issuer right away, using the toll-free number on the card to
dispute the charges. Some card issuers might require that you follow
up with a written dispute in order to receive a refund.
Even if you do not detect an unauthorized charge, you can contact
your card issuer, using the toll-free number on the card, and
discuss whether it is appropriate to cancel your card and obtain a
new account number and card.
Beware of callers who claim to be with your card-issuing bank.
These calls may be a scam. Contact your bank first at the toll-free
number on the back of your card before you disclose any personal
information.
Madigan is also urging consumers to contact her Identity Theft
Hotline at 1-866-999-5630 for more information or to learn how to
respond to the data breach.
