Tips for consumers worried about the Target breach

[Omaha Steve]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140111/DAB8DFRO2.html
By BREE FOWLER

NEW YORK (AP) - Target's massive pre-Christmas security breach may have affected more than 70 million people.

The incident could turn out to be one of the largest data breaches on record for a retailer, surpassing an incident uncovered in 2007 that saw more than 90 million records pilfered from TJX Cos. Inc.

Target Corp. (TGT) disclosed last month that about 40 million credit and debit cards may have been affected by the breach that occurred between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. But according to new information released Friday, those criminals also stole personal information - including names, phone numbers as well as email and mailing addresses - from as many as 70 million customers who could have shopped at stores outside of that timeframe.

Some overlap exists between the two data sets.

Here's what you need to know if you think your data was compromised:

FULL story at link.

[TexasTowelie]

2. I certainly consider it to be the preferred option.

Unfortunately, my bank requires a minimum number of debit transactions each billing cycle to avoid a certain fee. I also don't like having an electronic record of my movements that is facilitated by using either debit or credit cards.

[TexasTowelie]

4. Yes, I looked into other banks

but made this selection due to various convenience factors. The bank is really pushing people away from using paper and I didn't even bother ordering checks since I make all of my recurring payments online except for rent. I get a money order each month for that expense. I think that they are of the mindset that it costs so much less to store and process electronic transactions compared to paper transactions that on a volume basis it becomes economical to encourage the customers to abandon the traditional methods.

BTW, welcome to DU!

[sendero]

5. This is very common, at least here in TX.

.... you can open a checking account that pays essentially zero interest. Or you can open a special account that pays 1% - 2.5% on the first $30K - $50K on deposit. But to get the latter, you have to have (usually 15 but sometimes another similar number) of debit card swipes in a month and the kicker is you have to have a direct deposit (ostensibly from your job) every month.

The net effect is you can only have one of these accounts.

I'm kinda with you in that the $30 a month interest you can get doing this is hardly worth the bother. If I had a good and safe way of storing cash, I'd pull every dime I didn't need for paying bills out of the banking system. Right now, there is no reason to let them have it, they are paying you nothing for doing so.

[TBF]

6. Yes, there are banks in Texas that do this -

with a certain number of transactions they wave all your ATM fees etc.

Personally I use Chase but thankfully didn't stop at Target on those dates. I also use a fair amount of cash for everyday shopping. For me it is just easier to have cash and see it being spent - it helps me to control spending because when it's a card it's not as real in your mind as slapping down that cash. It's sort of a trick for those of us who spend too much

[Shrike47]

7. Back in the late 80's ( I think) Bank of America said they wouldn't charge me for my checking

If I agreed to use the machine rather than go into the bank more than 2x a month. I never pay anything for my checking account.

[ananda]

8. I think this affects people who ever shopped at Target.

I used my debit card there once in June and once in July, but not since.

I don't know if Target has my correct email address to notify me or not,
but I'm sure not giving any info to them now.

All I'm doing now is keeping an eye on my transactions. I don't know
whether I need to do more or not.

[sufrommich]

9. Did you have to use your card between

Nov.27 and Dec. 15 to be in danger or is that the dateline for when the numbers were stolen?

[uppityperson]

11. It says info was stolen as cards were used if I read it right

[ananda]

12. No, the data breach extends to cards not used during that time.

This article says it could potentially affect everyone who shopped there.

<http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/target-breach-what-you-need-to-know/2014/01/10/669a5c9c-7a10-11e3-8963-b4b654bcc9b2_story.html>