Target Apologizes to Customers

Secret Service agents continue investigating the nationwide theft of credit card information of Target customers.

It's believed thieves gained access to data on the magnetic strips of shoppers' cards, potentially allowing them to produce counterfeit versions. According to the retail giant, the breach occurred between November 27 and December 15 at various Target stores.  As many as 40 million shoppers may be affected.

David Dalrymple is the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northwest North Carolina. Below are some of his recommendations to consumers.

If you used a credit card at Target in the past few weeks:
*Monitor your credit card statements carefully.
*If you see a fraudulent charge, report it to your bank or credit card issuer immediately so the charge can be reversed and a new card issued.
*Keep receipts in case you need to prove which charges you authorized and which ones you did not.

If you used a debit card at Target in the past few weeks:
*You may have some liability if you fail to report unauthorized charges within 60 days after your statement is sent to you.
*You can contact your bank or credit card issuer for more information if you want to request a new debit card or put a security block on your account.

To business owners, Dalrymple urges they check out the Better Business Bureau's Data Security Made Simpler guide for businesses.

Dalrymple also says sometimes scammers take advantage of people's heightened fears. So he cautions people to not respond to emails or phone calls offering you credit help. Instead Dalrymple says to call the phone number on the back of your credit or debit card. Then ask for the security department to find out if special assistance is being offered.