KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As many as 40 million credit cards could have been compromised at Target stores throughout the country.
“Yeah it makes me nervous,” said Jeremy Goodwin, a Target shopper, “I think the whole community needs to pay attention to how we can be violated by a piece of plastic anymore.”
Target shoppers are a little on edge knowing that 40 million cards may have been compromised at the chain between November 27th and December 15th.
“As I was using my debit card today, I was a little nervous,” said Roger Schieper, “I was going to joke with the cashier, am I okay, is this good?”
Sergeant Robert Rickett with the KCMO Police Department’s fraud unit said if you do fall victim there are steps you can take now.
“Check their bank statement, with online banking and being able to see your statements up to the minute, you can always check and look at your own transactions and see if anything stands out,” he said, “If you feel like there’s something funny about your account, you just don’t feel comfortable with it, go ahead and call the bank.”
A data breach of this size is unusual, but Sgt. Rickett said they get several credit card fraud reports every day.
“There are a variety of ways it can happen,” Rickett adds, “From a computer hacking to just an employee that jots down some credit card numbers on the side.”
He said what recently happened to Target shoppers could easily happen to you.
“So many transactions are done off credit cards and debit cards that you’ve got to watch what you do with it,” said Rickett, “and that’s the reason we say any amounts that you know is not yours, immediately question it.”
Despite the ongoing investigation with Target, it doesn’t look like it’s keeping shoppers away.
“I paid cash,” said Goodwin, “Yeah I was happy I paid cash today, count your pennies, save your nickels, it’s the American way.”
“There’s a lot of questions in my mind, but here I am!” said Schieper.
If you think your card may have been compromised, experts encourage you to check your statements and call your banks…especially since this is the time of year where we’re all spending money for the holidays.
