Attorney General: Change user ID, passward on eBay accounts

(From Attorney General Chris Koster)

Attorney General Chris Koster advised Missourians to change user ID and password information on eBay accounts after the company's announcement last week acknowledging a breach of user data. According to the company, the breach included loss of full names of customers, their email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and user IDs and passwords.

"Anyone who has an eBay account should immediately change their login information rather than wait for notice from the company," said Koster. "This is the most immediate step Missouri consumers can take to minimize the impact on the security of personally identifiable information."

Koster also warned Missourians to be on the lookout for phishing emails from scammers seeking to exploit the breach to commit additional data theft. While emails asking for financial or other personal information may appear to be from eBay, the company will only send email stating that the user should change their login information. EBay will not email or telephone customers seeking private information.

Koster encouraged consumers to be vigilant in monitoring their eBay and PayPal accounts for signs of unauthorized activity. Missouri consumers who suspect unauthorized activity should contact the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 or file a complaint online. Consumers who experience fraud on their accounts are encouraged to immediately contact the Hotline or complete an online form.