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Emails, names hacked in 'largest breach ever'

JANESVILLE — The names and email addresses of thousands of consumers were stolen this week from a Dallas-based marketing company in what's being called the largest data breach in U.S. history.

Hackers gained access to databases at Epsilon, a third-party organization that handles marketing for retail giants Best Buy and Walgreens in addition to several banks. Financial information such as credit card and bank account numbers weren't compromised, but the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the lookout for scammers.

The theft of email addresses means hackers in the next few weeks likely will attempt phishing scams, said Susan Bach, communications director at the Wisconsin BBB.

"Unfortunately, (data theft) is becoming more common and I think people just need to be aware that their information is floating around in cyberspace," she said. "You can never be too careful. Regard every email from a lost acquaintance or bank institution with a little bit of suspicion."

Hackers have used the trick before, pretending to be a close friend or cousin in need of money. Bach isn't certain exactly how many records or people were affected.

Epsilon sends more than 40 billion emails annually and has more than 2,500 clients, according to SecurityWeek, a website that specializes in Internet news. It reported Epsilon contracts with businesses such as Target, Citi, Capital One and TiVo.

Capital One issued a warning to its customers asking them to ignore emails asking for personal information regarding their accounts. It indicated it's working with Epsilon to investigate the breach.

Bach recommended that anyone who receives emails asking for account information should contact the Internet Crimes Complain Center. It is also suggested that those receiving such emails visit the company's website or contact it by phone to verify where the email originated.

"With such a large number of consumers affected in this data breach, and the fact that financial information doesn't appear to have been exposed, a significant increase in phishing emails should be expected," said Randall Hoth, president and CEO of the Wisconsin BBB.

"Be very cautions of emails you receive from any company or bank that asks for information or contains links."

Bach also warned consumers not to click on links in the emails. That could download spyware or viruses onto the user's computer.