
The massive data breach at Target has left many of us feeling vulnerable and concerned about our credit card security. In total, 40 million credit card numbers were stolen from Target during the breach.
The breach occurred between November 27 and December 15, 2013. This timeframe is crucial to know if you made any purchases during this period.
The stolen credit card numbers included the card number, expiration date, and security code. This information is enough for thieves to make unauthorized purchases.
If you shopped at Target between November 27 and December 15, 2013, it's essential to monitor your credit card statements closely for any suspicious activity.
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Target Data Breach
The Target Data Breach was a major security incident that occurred in 2013. It affected millions of customers.
The breach happened between November 27 and December 15, 2013, when hackers gained access to Target's point-of-sale systems in stores across the country. They stole sensitive information, including credit card numbers and expiration dates.

Target discovered the breach on December 15, 2013, and immediately launched an investigation. They worked with law enforcement and a leading external forensic expert to determine the extent of the breach.
The hackers stole credit card information from about 40 million Target customers. This information included card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes.
Target took steps to mitigate the damage, including offering free credit monitoring services to affected customers. They also provided additional security measures, such as enhanced encryption and security protocols.
The breach was a wake-up call for Target and the retail industry as a whole. It highlighted the importance of robust security measures and data protection.
Impact and Reporting
If your Target Credit Card is stolen, you can rest assured that you won't be held responsible for unauthorized purchases made with your card. This is because your Target Credit Card is covered by $0 fraud liability.
You should report the loss or theft of your Target Credit Card to your card issuer immediately, so they can take action to protect your account.
Cards Stolen, Floods Underground Markets
A recent data breach at retail giant Target has resulted in millions of credit and debit card accounts being stolen.
The stolen cards are being sold on underground markets, with a new product stocked by an underground service: cards issued by non-U.S. banks that were used at Target across the United States during the 19-day data breach.
Hundreds of thousands of these non-U.S. cards are fetching a much higher price than those issued by U.S. banks, with sales figures unclear but seemingly strong.
The non-US cards are being sold on the black market, taking advantage of the fact that they were used at Target in the US, making them valuable to thieves.
Your Comments
Many people who have commented on the Target data breach are concerned about the security of their credit card information. Russell Hitchen, a British ex-pat living in the US, has been a regular Target shopper and is hopeful that his credit card company, American Express, will catch any suspicious activity.

Some commenters are choosing to pay cash until the problem is resolved. Peter O'Brien from Monroe, New Jersey, plans to do just that, saying "We shop at Target all the time but in the future we will pay cash until the problem is resolved." Amy Kolinko from Dublin, Ohio, has already had her credit card number stolen twice this year, and is monitoring her credit card transactions daily.
The Target data breach is not the only concern for some commenters. Fariha from Fremont, California, is worried about the security of her credit card information and plans to review her statement carefully.
The convenience of electronic payment methods is being questioned by some. Omar Khalid, who works for a credit card processing company, thinks that this convenience is "obviously coming at a cost, and that cost is our privacy." He believes that this is an ongoing threat that will never truly be resolved completely.
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Reporting a Lost Credit Card
Reporting a lost credit card can be a stressful experience, but it's essential to act quickly to minimize any potential damage. You should receive a replacement credit card within 7-10 business days.
To activate your new card, you'll need to follow the issuer's instructions, which may involve calling a phone number or logging into your online account. This is usually a straightforward process that can be completed in a few minutes.
If you have recurring charges linked to your old card, make sure to update those accounts with your new card information as soon as possible. This will prevent any disruption to your regular payments.
Fortunately, many credit cards offer $0 fraud liability, which means you won't be held responsible for unauthorized purchases made with your card while it's lost. However, it's still crucial to inform your issuer about any unfamiliar charges on your account right away.
On a similar theme: When Should You Open a Credit Card Account
How It Happened
The massive data breach at Target in 2013 was a wake-up call for the retail industry and consumers alike.
On the Friday before Thanksgiving, hackers gained access to Target's network, using a vulnerable vendor's credentials to install malware on the company's point-of-sale systems.
The malware was designed to capture credit and debit card data, including card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes.
The hackers spent several weeks in the system, stealing sensitive information from millions of customers.
Target didn't discover the breach until December 15, when a payment card industry (PCI) compliance vendor notified them of suspicious activity.
The company immediately launched an investigation, which revealed the extent of the breach.
The hackers made off with credit card information from at least 40 million customers, with many more potentially affected.
Target's response to the breach was swift, with the company offering a year of free credit monitoring to affected customers.
The company also worked with law enforcement to identify and prosecute the hackers.
The breach was a costly one for Target, with estimated losses of up to $100 million.
The incident led to a major overhaul of Target's cybersecurity measures, including the hiring of a new chief information officer.
Sources
- https://krebsonsecurity.com/2013/12/cards-stolen-in-target-breach-flood-underground-markets/
- https://www.npr.org/2013/12/19/255559793/hackers-stole-40-million-credit-debit-card-numbers-from-target
- https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-25447077
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/target-credit-card-lost-1000283-2140767124/
- https://www.foxnews.com/us/debit-and-credit-cards-stolen-in-target-breach-reportedly-for-sale-in-underground-black-markets
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