There have been daily news stories about the Target data breach and how it may affect shoppers. This is a great time for scammers to send out phony emails from Target pretending to help. What they are really trying to do is to trick you into giving them your personal information.
If you get an email that says it is from Target, look for the following to make sure you don’t get scammed.
- If any email asks for your personal or financial information, it is most likely a scam.
- If you receive an email that asks for your debit or credit card number, do not reply. No legitimate business will ask for your personal information through unsecure methods like email.
- If there are links in the email, do not click on them.
- Scammers create links and sites that look like the real deal. These phony sites can install viruses to your computer or direct you to spoof sites that exist to steal your information. Hovering over a link can reveal a deliberately misspelled web address, or a completely different destination. To be safe, you should typed the URL directly into your browser.
- Be aware that scammers may send emails promising a free gift card, a new tablet or computer, or even a job in exchange for your personal information. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.
Fraudsters May Take Advantage of Target Data Breach
Thanks
I received an email from Target saying that they are offering everyone who shopped in U.S. stores, one year of free credit monitoring through Experian”s ProtectMyID product. The email goes on to provide a link to register for the service. Are you all aware of this offer? (I”m afraid to click the link!)
Thanks!
Haven”t heard of that, but doesn”t mean it”s not real! However, I”d strongly suggest contacting Target themselves to verify that it”s legit before clicking on it if you”re worried.
Also, keep in mind that there”s a link on our site where you can request your free report at any time during the year. In fact, federal law allows everyone to collect one free report every year from each of the three credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
To get your free report visit our security page on our website at:
https://www.centralnational.com/personal/idtheft.asp
Thank you!