News

Actions

Data Breach At Michael’s Affects 2.6 Million

Posted at 4:46 PM, Apr 18, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-18 16:46:48-04

LANSING, Mich. — Michael’s revealed on Friday that approximately 2.6 million shoppers are affected by a data breach at the company.

The total includes those who shopped in 25 Michigan stores. The company’s list of affected locations can be found at http://bit.ly/1jf96Ri.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has issued a consumer alert advising Michiganders how to respond. It can be found at  http://1.usa.gov/1gQSK2I.

Key tips from the Michigan Attorney General’s Office include the following:

1: Review and monitor all credit and debit card information during teh next 12 to 24 months for any unauthorized activity.

2: Order a copy of your credit report and review it carefully to be sure there is no unauthorized activity.

3: Call one of the three major credit bureaus and place a one-call fraud alert on your credit report. The one you contact is required by law to contact the other two credit bureaus. This one-call fraud alert will remain in your credit file for at least 90 days, requiring creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or increasing credit limits on your existing accounts.

The three major credit bureaus include:

•Equifax: Call 1-800-525-6285 and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0241.

•Experian: Call 1-888-397-3742 and write: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, Texas 75013.

•TransUnion: Call 1-800-680-7289 and write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, California 92834-6790.

4: Contact the fraud departments of your credit card issuers or bank. These financial institutions can monitor your account for suspicious activity. You may also wish to discuss the advisability of requesting a new account number.