Local accounts hacked, tied to Home Depot breach

It looks like the nation-wide data breach at Home Depot has victims on the First Coast.

VyStar says a little more than 100 accounts have been compromised, including 80 in Jacksonville.  Their investigation has shown customers at other banks and financial institutions have been affected as well, and I’ve confirmed ten cases under investigation in Clay County.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office tells us it’s unclear how many accounts overall may have been compromised because the investigation is in its early stages.  VyStar says their research so far shows a retailer’s payment system was compromised and a hacker was able to get credit and debit card numbers as a result to use them for fraudulent purchases. While they haven’t completely confirmed the cause yet, VyStar’s Chief Operating Officer Rich Alfirevic tells me this appears to tie to the nationwide data breach at Home Depot.

JSO is not releasing any further details on the apparent theft, but they have identified a person of interest.  He is a black man with facial hair who is about 30-years-old. Police say he may be driving a burgundy minivan.

Police are asking all VyStar members to keep a close eye on their accounts.  VyStar says you should immediately report any suspicious purchases and activity to them or whoever you bank with.

If you have any information on the person of interest pictured, you're asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers and be eligible for a $3,000 reward by calling 1-866-845-TIPS