Grand Forks Airmen should be on guard for possible identity theft Published Dec. 27, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Grand Forks Airmen who shopped at Target between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 should be on the lookout for any fraudulent activity on their credit and debit card accounts. According to a statement released by Target recently, as many as 40 million shoppers may have been affected when shopping at brick-and-mortar locations across the country; it said online purchases were not affected. The type of data stolen includes customers' names, credit and debit card numbers, card expiration dates and three-digit security codes found on the backs of cards. This type of information in the wrong hands could allow identity thieves to create counterfeit cards by encoding the information onto any card with a magnetic stripe. If personal identification numbers or PINs were intercepted, it could also allow thieves to reproduce stolen debit cards and use them to withdraw cash at ATMs. Right now, the Minneapolis-based retailer is teaming up with a forensics firm to investigate where the breach may have originated, and recommends customers "remain vigilant for incidents of fraud and identity theft by regularly reviewing account statements and monitoring credit reports." "The most important thing is to keep a close eye on all of your purchasing accounts," said Mike Johnson, Airman & Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. "If you see any suspicious charges, immediately contact your credit card company and your bank and file a report. It also is a good idea to file a report with the three major credit agencies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Airmen and their families are also welcome to come to the Airman & Family Readiness Center for a free credit report, or any financial assistance or advice they may need." For more information or to set up an appointment with a community readiness consultant, call 701-747-3242.