40-million people.

That's how many potential victims there are in the largest identity theft ring ever uncovered.

Eleven suspects have been arrested for allegedly stealing credit and debit card numbers after gaining access to the wireless networks of such chains as Barnes and Noble, BJ's Wholesale Clubs, Boston Market, DSW, Office Max, and Sports Authority. How did they do it and what can you do if you're involved in a case of identity theft?

At WKU's Cyber Defense Lab, they know how eleven suspects could have allegedly stolen millions of debit and credit card numbers.

"These companies relied on older network standards," explains Dr. Phil Womble, WKU Cyber Defense Lab director.
"They had these wireless networks set up for convenience of the customers and employees so they could track their inventory. This opened up a window and somebody got through the window."

Dr. Womble says it's going to take a vulnerability assessment for the stores to know how to prevent identity theft from occurring again.

"Unless you spend on it every day, like the federal government does, you're probably going to be somewhat defenseless against the professional hacker," says Dr. Womble.

What if that action's too late for some customers? One representative with the Bowling Green Better Business Bureau says all you can do is try to catch the theft early.

"Check your credit card bills as they come in or check them online if you have that capability," says Bowling Green Better Business Bureau manager Linda Chambers. "Check them often, keep your receipts, make sure everything matches perfectly. The credit card companies are required by law if you dispute a charge to investigate it and most companies will not charge you anything if you did not buy."

Chambers says she's hoping it's incidents like this that keep consumers cautious.

"It just makes the public more aware of what you have to do to keep your identity safe," Chambers concludes.

Chambers adds that she would advise people to use credit cards more than debit cards. She says it's easier to get rid of charges you didn't make through a credit card company than it is with a debit card.