Chris Von Olnhausen walked out of a Home Depot store in Mira Mesa, fully aware of the data breach that exposed the debit and credit card information of as many as 56 million customers.
But that hasn't stopped him from shopping at the popular hardware store.
"I'm continuing to monitor my credit and I'm continuing to shop at all the locations," said Von Olnhausen.
He's not alone, but Pauline McKinney admits she's taking a closer look at her credit card receipt every month.
"I've always checked my credit card bills," said McKinney, "made sure that what was on there I really purchased."
That is good advice for shoppers these days. Whether it's a big retail stores like Home Depot and Target or a neighborhood market, consumers need to take an active roll in checking their financial information.
"Certainly you want to be checking any of your payment cards and your bank account," said Eva Velasquez with Identity Theft Resource Center.
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Velasquez helps victims of theft but says people need to be aware of problems in their accounts.
Big data breaches may occur for months before they are announced to the public. That gives identity thieves plenty of time to take advantage of consumers.
Instead, Velasquez says people need to check their card and bank statements on at least a weekly basis, and they need to check their credit report multiple times a year.
But what about new credit cards with computer chips that promise to be safe, or smart phones that will allow purchases at markets and department stores?
"We invent new technology, new safeguards," said Velasquez. "They (scam artists) find vulnerabilities and they exploit them."
