Wright County Offers Advice to Those Impacted by Target Card Breach

Minneapolis-based Target Corp's announcement 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 Wright County Sheriff's Office is ready to assist, if customers need a helping hand. 

"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 Capt. Greg Howell of the WSCO, 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." 

The WCSO investigations team would be brought in to assist with any local, fraudulent transactions. The non-emergency line to call is 763-682-1162. 

The county has also included steps consumers can take to protect themselves from identity theft, which are attached to this article.