By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Target, which operates stores in Alabaster and off U.S. 280 in Shelby County, has confirmed data from about 40 million credit and debit card accounts may have been compromised during the Christmas shopping season, and has set up a call center for impacted shoppers.

In a release issued on Dec. 19, Target confirmed “it is aware of unauthorized access to payment card data that may have impacted certain guests making credit and debit card purchases in its U.S. stores.”

The security breach was tied to debit and credit card purchases made in Target stores from Nov. 27-Dec. 15. The information leak included customers’ names, credit and debit card numbers, card expiration dates and card security codes.

In a letter to customers issued on Dec. 19, the company encouraged customers who may be affected to regularly review their bank account statements for fraudulent activity.

“If you discover any suspicious or unusual activity on your accounts or suspect fraud, be sure to report it immediately to your financial institutions,” read the letter. “You may also periodically obtain credit reports from each nationwide credit reporting agency.”

To obtain free copies of credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228.

Target customers who suspect unauthorized activity with their accounts should contact Target at (866) 852-8680.