FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :   Thursday, December 19, 2013
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

Attorney General Jackley Urges Target Customers To Review Statements and Report Unauthorized Charges

PIERRE, S.D. — Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning South Dakota consumers to be vigilant for unauthorized charges in response to the massive data breach at Target stores nationwide.

According to a Target statement, the company has determined that the criminals accessed data including customer names, credit and debit card numbers, card expiration dates, and 3-digit credit card security codes, called CVVs.  The data breach affected point-of-sale retail customers, or in store customers, but not online customers.

"Consumers need to take the time and check their credit card and bank statements for any unauthorized charges," said Jackley. "The particular data breech may have compromised close to 40 million individuals. If something looks suspicious contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report any potential fraud."

Below are some tips for consumers who may have been impacted 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 November 27 and December 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. Consumers should contact their bank first at the toll-free number on the back of your card before you disclose any personal information.

*It is important to review your bank and credit card statements immediately, but equally as important to continue to review these statements in the months to come for ID theft may occur down the road.

Target has established a hotline for customers who believe they may have been affected by the breach and are encouraged to call 1-866-852-8680. South Dakota consumers may contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us for additional information.

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