Washington County Has Tips for Avoiding Target Fiasco, I.D. Theft

Minneapolis-based Target Corp'sannouncement this week that a security breach may have given hackers access to more than 40 million account numbers has customers seeing, well, red. 

More details on the breach itself can be found here, but investigators really don't have a clue what broke down in Target's theft protection and security systems. Most believe, independently, that the hack might have been an "inside job." 

There are things consumers who used "plastic" at the store between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 (which is, let's face it, pretty much everyone you know) can do to protect themselves from everything from unwanted purchases to, even worse, identity theft: 

First, Target has released a number for consumers who think they might be impacted. Just call Target at 866-852-8680 and have information ready to share. The lines are secure, and Target will go through receipts and transactions with customers who have questions. 

"The best advice is for consumers to monitor their credit card account for unauthorized charges and contact their bank if they see any such activity," said one Twin Cities law enforcement agent, noting that most banks will cover fraud, and all banks are aware of this incident. "Local law enforcement may also be notified if unauthorized charges appear, too." 

Washington County has also included steps consumers can take to protect themselves from identity theft on its website. Some of its recommendations: 

1. File a police report.
2. Check your credit report:
   1. TransUnion
      Fraud Victim Assistance Division
      P.O. Box 6790
      Fullerton, CA 92834-6790 
      Ph: 800-680-7289
   2. Equifax
      P.O. Box 740241
      Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
      Ph: 800-525-6285
   3. Experian
      P.O. Box 9554
      Allen, TX 75013
      Ph: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
3. Notify creditors that your identity was stolen.
4. Dispute any unauthorized transactions with your financial institution.

• Shred receipts, credit card applications, financial statements, etc. If not, keep them in a secured place.
• Cut up / shred old credit cards
• Be diligent about checking your bank and credit card statements. Make sure only authorized purchases were made.
• Use a secured (locked) mail box when sending and receiving mail.
• Get a copy of your credit report.
• Protect your social security number.
• Only make purchases from web sites you’re familiar with and that have a secure site.
• Do not give personal information.
• Close accounts you suspect have been tampered with.