This content was created by Robert Siciliano. This content was uploaded by Robert Siciliano. This is a YouTube video titled "Protect Yourself From Credit card breaches @McAfeeConsumer" (published 2013-12-26). The excerpt is a news-style segment about the Target credit/debit card data breach and wider identity-theft risks, featuring a reporter (Brian Yenis), an anchor (Greg), a shopper/commenter, and an expert speaker offering explanations and practical safety tips (monitor statements, avoid phishing, limit carried cards, close compromised accounts).
Chapters
It's the height of the Christmas shopping season, but shoppers are on alert after credit and debit card information was stolen from Target stores all over the nation. And now we're being told much of the data from the 40 million credit cards is reportedly for sale on black markets around the world. The credit card thieves and debit card thieves using the information to make phony copies of the stolen cards. So how How can we protect ourselves from all this identity theft? Brian Yenis in our New York newsroom with more.
Brian. Hi, Greg. Well, you know, the holiday shopping season may be winding down soon, but the recent Target breach has reminded shoppers identity theft is a threat all year round. How could you not be concerned about that?
I don't know. Right.
I mean, it's your identity.
I think you don't think it could happen to you, and so you don't really worry about it. And then when it does, like I said, it's a big hassle. I have this, I guess, false sense of security that When I'm doing it in person, I have more control, but clearly that's not the case.
Access to a stolen credit card number can trigger a chain reaction. Thieves can steal your identity, apply for credit, withdraw money, and rack up huge debts.
They might initially start to use them, the credit card numbers, over the phone, via websites. They might plug them in, or they clone the cards, meaning they burn the information onto blank credit cards and go ahead and use them at brick-and-mortar stores or even at ATMs depending on the nature of the card. They also will resell this data to others because there's so much credit card information here.
Some safety tips: keep a close eye on your card at the store. Card skimmers take information from the magnetic stripe on the back of your cards. Safeguard your personal information online. Make sure you have antivirus, anti-spyware software. Don't get hooked by phishing scams online. Be cautious of fraudulent links in emails and bogus websites. Websites. Don't carry credit and debit cards that you don't absolutely need, and regularly check your statements and credit reports.
I don't see any end in sight to the amount of data breaches occurring, both from criminal hackers on the outside or mistakes being made on the inside of certain organizations.
Now, if you are a victim, make sure to report lost cards or suspicious charges immediately. If your bank account has been compromised, the best thing to do is really to close the account and open a new one. Greg? Brian Yenis. Brian, thanks very much.
