Security breach involving nearly every Target store in the U.S.

[fan_since79]

Account information of millions of credit/debit cards stolen, affecting nearly every Target store in America (there are 1,797 of them). It happened over the Thanksgiving weekend and it took awhile for the company to realize it.

 

The Secret Service is investigating. 

 

Check those account statements, etc. to make sure no unauthorized charges were made on your cards.

 

http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/12/19/us-target-breach-idINBRE9BH1GX20131219

 

 

[fan_since79]

At least 40 million cardholders may have been affected by this massive breach. Shoppers at almost every Target store in the country between November 29th and December 15th are at risk.

 

I used my debit card there on December 10th, but did the transaction as "credit" so I didn't have to enter my PIN. I think I'll change my PIN now, just to be safe. 

 

I'm using cash from now on when I shop at Target.

[gotbeer]

If the thieves are using the POS system.  Makes me wonder how many other companies were also compromised.  There has to be more than just target using that particular POS system.

[fan_since79]

Target will not say whether PIN numbers were compromised on debit or credit cards. All they are saying is their systems are secure going forward. That doesn't make me feel better.

 

I'm going to my bank today and asking for a new debit card and PIN. This is starting to worry me. They could empty my checking account if they have my PIN.

[Amazing Larry]

fart

[1nutkruk]

Wife and I have shopped at Target a lot since the breach.  I will keep a close eye on our cards.

[St1ck]

Wife and I have shopped at Target a lot since the breach.  I will keep a close eye on our cards.

 

 

 

If you want, I can keep an eye on them as well. 

[fan_since79]

Wife and I have shopped at Target a lot since the breach.  I will keep a close eye on our cards.

 

Best when using a debit card is to run it as a "Credit" transaction and not enter your PIN. You will simply have to sign for it. If a store doesn't let me do that, I refuse to complete the transaction.

 

If they get your PIN and the rest of the data on the card, they can empty your checking account and then you've got real trouble. 

[fan_since79]

I changed my PIN on my debit card, just to be safe. It was easy to do, right at the ATM.

 

My bank assured me my funds would be restored if the thieves somehow emptied my checking account.

 

Target stock is down only 2%. That's  a surprise. 

[gotbeer]

I changed my PIN on my debit card, just to be safe. It was easy to do, right at the ATM.

 

My bank assured me my funds would be restored if the thieves somehow emptied my checking account.

 

Target stock is down only 2%. That's  a surprise. 

 

That's because the thieves that stole all the CC information bought a bunch of stock using your card.  

[katie]

The only card I use there is my Target debit card to get 5% off. If I see any weird activity then I will do something, other than that they won't have my debit card number/pin or credit card number

[mp170.6]

Smells like an inside job to me. 

[1nutkruk]

If you want, I can keep an eye on them as well. 

I will PM you all my card numbers, usernames and passwords.  I completely trust you.

Edited December 19, 2013 by 1nutkruk

[mrwicked]

I guess Target lived up to its name.

[fan_since79]

Debit card users are protected only if they promptly notify their bank of the loss. I'm checking my account daily, and never using a debit card again, anywhere.

 

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-target-breach-consumers-20131219,0,6615816.story#axzz2nwBfhZ8V

 

I apologize if this article is behind a subscription firewall. 

[Tank]

this would be a good time to have mr. underhill's amex card.

[1nutkruk]

this would be a good time to have mr. underhill's amex card.

Great Fletch reference.

 

[Amazing Larry]

"I tried to walk into Target, but I missed." ~ Mitch Hedberg

[mrwicked]

One will never have this problem with cash.

[mp170.6]

One will never have this problem with cash.

 

I'm not fond of carrying lots of cash.  Usually have no more than $100 at all times.  Nobody is going to replenish your cash if you lose your wallet or have it stolen. 

[St1ck]

I get alerts when purchases are over a certain dollar amount. Helped a couple years ago when somehow someone got my number, and charged $300 at a Fry's in Ohio. 

[Vegas Halo Fan]

I use a Target Red Card, don't know if these are subject to the same issues as regular debit cards.

 

Looked at the bank account, don't see any Target charges I don't recognize. This card number can't be used anywhere else.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Vegas Halo Fan

[maximus p]

LOL, I got a call from my bank today about 5 charges from Minnesota and Florida (I live in So. Cal-and I have been to Target rcently).  4 of the charges were declined because I am so frickin' poor that I didn't have enough to cover the attempt.  The only one to go through was a $1 dollar charge, that the bank told me thieves often do to see if the number works, and will do a larger attempt later.  For once it pays to be a poor money manager...

[mrwicked]

I get alerts when purchases are over a certain dollar amount. Helped a couple years ago when somehow someone got my number, and charged $300 at a Fry's in Ohio. 

 

Yep - same here.

I get email and txt for transactions on every account.

Never caught anything suspicious (knock on wood, I'm a security guy so I know what to avoid) but I know others who have found shady stuff that way.

Highly recommended. 

[St1ck]

Heads up if you have Chase, and shopped at Target during those days:

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-chase-limits-target-debit-20131221,0,4134532.story