Jackley Offers Tips for Consumers Following Neiman Marcus Security Breach

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Monday, February 3, 2014

PIERRE, S.D - Attorney General Marty Jackley is encouraging consumers to be proactive in protecting their financial security again now that another major retailer, Neiman Marcus has announced they have suffered a security breach.

Neiman Marcus announced last week that about 1.1 million consumer credit cards may have been affected. The company reported that malicious software on its system attempted to collect customer's credit card information from July 16, 2013 to Oct. 30, 2013. The retailer also disclosed it learned that more than 2,000 Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards were fraudulently used at its retail and ‘Last Call' discount stores.

Preliminary reports indicate that 221 South Dakotans accounts were affected, but more are expected. Neiman Marcus is notifying customers who shopped between January 2013 and January 2014 that it will provide for one year free credit monitoring and identity-theft protection through Experian's ProtectMyID Alert. The service can be activated by visiting www.protectmyid.com/nm or by calling 1-866-579-2216. Consumers must sign up for the program by June 15, 2014.

Consumers need to be proactive in monitoring their credit reports and financial account statements. Here are a few tips to follow:

• Neiman Marcus customers should check their bank and credit card account statements for unauthorized charges, and immediately report them to the fraud department of their issuing bank or credit card provider.
• Consumers can check their credit report with the three nationwide consumer reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. If consumers find errors on their report, contact the reporting company in writing. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 for a free copy of your credit report. Consumers are entitled to a free copy from each company every 12 months.
• Consumers can place a fraud alert on their credit reports to help mitigate potential issues by contacting the three credit reporting agencies:
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Attorney General Jackley is also warning consumers to watch for phishing emails that appear to be legitimate websites or companies that have links. Target, Neiman Marcus and Michaels Craft Stores have all been affected by recent security breaches and their names will likely show up on these unsolicited emails that direct consumers to a fraudulent website. Do not give out personal information to someone who contacts you by unsolicited email. Go directly to website and avoid using any links that have been provided.

Consumers with questions are encouraged to visit www.neimanmarcus.com or call 1-866-579-2216. Anyone with additional questions or concerns may contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 800-300-1986 or at consumerhelp@state.sd.us.