EUGENE, Ore.--Local identity theft investigators don't know if any Western Oregon residents were among the 41 million people whose credit and debit card numbers were stolen in a massive identity theft ring.

They say the incident is a reminder consumers need to be vigilant about their credit.

Eleven people, including one federal informant, were indicted Tuesday for allegedly hacking into the computer systems of nine major retailers and stealing customer information.

The companies involved include Barnes and Noble, Forever 21, Dave and Buster's, Office Max, BJ's Wholesale, Sports Authority, Boston Market, DSW and TJX, the parent company of TJ Maxx and Marshall's.

Federal authorities say the suspect used a technique called wardriving--in which someone will walk by a store and access the store's wireless network using a laptop computer or PDA.

Most companies have security systems in place, but these corporations apparently did not.

The Federal Trade Commission has filed complaints with TJX, DSW and BJ's Wholesale.  Those companies have settled the complaints.

As of Wednesday, no complaints have been filed against the other companies.

The FTC does not discuss ongoing investigations.

Det. Steve Williams, with the Eugene Police Departmen'ts finanical crimes unit, says consumers need to watch their bank statement for suspicious charges--and be aware security breaches are possible anywhere.

"Our identity information is out there, all over the place," said Det. Williams.  "So many places have it, the government's got it, businesses have it, our employers have it. there are so many places where it can get compromised, you can't control it. So it's up to those places to deal with it."

Det. Williams says your information is probably safe credit card companies and national bank chains, but are at more risk with businesses, especially smaller businesses.

You can ask companies about their security policy, but you might need to contact the corporate office to do so. 

The bottom line--monitor your bank account for suspicious charges.  If you have online banking, you can do so every day. 

Det. Williams says it is safer to use a credit card, rather than a debit card.

If you use a credit card, a fradulent charge can be reversed fairly easily, leaving the credit card company or merchant out the cash.

But a debit card gives criminals direct access to your money.