Target: 40M Credit, Debit Card Accounts May Be Breached

MINNEAPOLIS (AP/CBSLA.com) — Target says that about 40 million credit and debit card accounts may have been affected by a data breach that occurred just as the holiday shopping season shifted into high gear.

The chain said that customers who made purchases using their cards at its U.S. stores between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 may have been exposed.

CONTACT US IF YOU'VE NOTICED SUSPICIOUS BANKING ACTIVITY AFTER SHOPPING AT TARGET

The Minneapolis-based company said it immediately told authorities and financial institutions once it became aware of the breach and that it is teaming with a third-party forensics firm to investigate the matter. It said it is putting all "appropriate resources" toward the issue.

Target Corp. advised customers who suspect there has been unauthorized activity on their cards should call them at 866-852-8680.

Target is just the latest retailer to be hit with a data breach problem. TJX Cos., which runs stores such as T.J. Maxx and Marshall's, had a breach that began in July 2005 that exposed at least 45.7 million credit and debit cards to possible fraud. The breach wasn't detected until December 2006. In June 2009 TJX agreed to pay $9.75 million in a settlement with multiple states related to the massive data theft but stressed at the time that it firmly believed it did not violate any consumer protection or data security laws.

"Target's first priority is preserving the trust of our guests and we have moved swiftly to address this issue, so guests can shop with confidence. We regret any inconvenience this may cause," Chairman, President and CEO Gregg Steinhafel said in a statement Thursday. "We take this matter very seriously and are working with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice."

KNX 1070's Margaret Carrero reports the breach left some shoppers considering alternative forms of payment.

"I never use debit because they can tap into your codes," Jolene said. "Maybe it'd be a smart idea to use cash."

The U.S. Secret Service is involved in the investigation.

Target has 1,797 stores in the United States.

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