Koster warns residents of continued Target scam

The Target credit card scam which affected more than 40 million Americans, may not be over yet. 

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is warning state residents to be cautious in providing personal of financial information over the phone or in response to emails related to the retailer's security breach, as new reports indicate fraudsters are trying to trick victims into giving them more information. 

According to a news release from Koster's office, thieves pretending to be from Target or a consumer’s bank or credit card company have been contacting consumers by phone or email and asking for their personal and financial information. The thieves can use this information to steal the consumer’s identity.

“Opportunistic thieves may try to take advantage of those whose personal information has been compromised by the recent data breach,” Koster said, in the release. “Consumers should be wary when anyone asks for their personal information via telephone or email, as the person on the other end of the line may be trying to steal the consumer’s identity.”

Koster reminded consumers that neither Target nor their financial institution would ask for their personal information over the phone or by email. Consumers also should continue to be alert as some card issuers may, without warning, limit the amount of cash that can be withdrawn from an affected card or limit the amount of purchases that can be made on a given day.