New data breach, same BBB advice for consumers

In the wake of the latest confirmed data breach, this one at Jimmy John's locations across the country, Better Business Bureau of Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula offers suggestions for consumers concerned that their credit or debit cards may have been compromised. 1. Stay calm. Consumers are not liable for fraudulent charges on stolen account numbers. 2. Check with the website of the retailer for the latest information. Type the store name directly into your browser. Do not click on a link from an email or social media message. 3. If your card was compromised, you will likely hear from the bank or card-issuer first. If you have questions, call the customer service number on your card. 4. If your card was compromised, consider putting an alert or freeze on your credit report with the three major credit reporting agencies. A credit freeze will prevent anyone from accessing your credit report or scores. This means you cannot apply for new credit without lifting the freeze. 5. If you shopped at the retailer with a credit card: - Monitor your credit card statements carefully (go online; don't wait for the paper statement). - 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. 6. For those who shopped at the retailer with a debit card: - Do all of the above as for credit cards, but pay very careful attention to your account. Debit cards do not have the same protections as credit cards and debit transactions withdraw funds directly from your bank account. - Contact your bank for more information, or if you want to preemptively request a new debit card or put a security block on your account. 7. Beware of scammers who may purport to be from the retailer, your bank or your credit card issuer, telling you that your card was compromised and suggesting actions to "fix" the problem. Phishing emails may attempt to fool you into providing your credit card information or ask you to click on a link or open an attachment, which can download malware designed to steal your identity. Jimmy John's offers a full list of stores which includes several stores in Michigan: - East Lansing , MI 143 N. Harrison Ste. 100 - East Lansing , MI 4790 S. Hagadorn Rd. #140 - Ypsilanti , MI 537 W Cross Street - Livonia , MI 33177 W. 8 Mile Rd. - Novi , MI 31204 Beck Rd. - Sterling Heights , MI 36324 Van Dyke - Novi , MI 39755 Grand River Ave. - Royal Oak , MI 413 S. Main St. - Bay City , MI 719 Washington Ave. - Clarkston , MI 5601 Sashabaw Rd. - Niles , MI 1260 S. 11th St. - Livonia , MI 37671 Six Mile Rd. B218 - Bloomfield Hills , MI 4087 W. Maple Rd. - Madison Heights , MI 1535 E. 12 Mile Rd. - Sterling Heights , MI 40846 Van Dyke - Marquette , MI 3220 U.S. Hwy 41 W - Warren , MI 7568 E. 9 Mile Rd. - Canton , MI 6535 N. Canton Center Rd. For more information, check out BBB Scam Stopper online at http://www.bbb.org/council/bbb-scam-stopper. Published: Fri, Sep 26, 2014