TCF: Target REDcard holders should replace them

TCF Bank is telling customers cancel or replace Target debit cards linked to TCF accounts.

The advice comes as Target and law enforcement authorities investigate the theft of 40 million credit and debit card numbers. Those possibly affected shopped at Target between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15.

So far the bank has not noticed a surge in fraud related to the Target data theft, said TCF spokesman Mark Goldman. He said the advice about Target cards is just precautionary.

"This suggestion from TCF is limited to TCF customers who have REDcards. If they have a Target-issued REDcard, we are advising them at this point to either cancel that card or to detach their TCF checking account from that card," Goldman said.

TCF is not advising customers to replace TCF debit cards used at Target during the data theft. Target and credit card issuers say people will not be responsible for unauthorized transactions.

Separately, Target says some customers have been receiving scam communications tied to the credit card number theft. The retailer says it is aware of "limited incidents" of deceptive messages to customers. Target is not saying exactly how often tricksters have reached out to its customers or what the scammers are after, though.

To help customers recognize fake communications, the company will use its website to post official messages to customers.

Target said it is partnering with the U.S. Secret Service and Department of Justice to investigate the theft of the card numbers.

The retailer said neither government entity is investigating Target.

Consumers have been told they will not be responsible for any fraudulent charges.