Great question Rob. Your credit score should not be effected as long as you notify the credit card company timely. They will reverse the charges.
Changing Pin Numbers is never a bad thing. However, this would not be the only step you need to take. It is possible to use the credit card number and CCV number online without needing a pin. You should discuss with your bank getting a new card number.
Thank you Larry. Unfortunately, Credit Card theft is a major and regular issue companies have to battle on a daily basis.
Brandy... I always recommend being extra cautious with your financial and personal information, however, you should be ok as long as you keep an eye on things.
Nancy, if you cancel the debit card you used at Target and get a new one, that will protect you. They cannot get new information using the credit card, only use the existing information to get money from the account. If you disable that debit card, you prevent that access.
Erica: Just keep checking. It can be months before theifs try to use the card. Keep an eye out!
Jo: Possibly. However, the debit card companies should reverse and recredit the money as long as you report the false charge timely.
Your credit card company or the bank of your debit card will protect you. By law you are only responsible for $50.00 in a fraud situation. However, most banks and credit card companies will protect you and refund the full amount.
Jeff: The breach affects ANY cards used at a physical Target store. Regardless of the brand.
Thank YOU Scott: Glad we can be helpful. As a side note... Canadian users are supposedly safe.
Candace, the stolen information cannot be used to get further information from your bank, but it could be used to grab money from an existing account.
Tricky question Larry: I will never tell someone they shouldn't be paranoid and overly cautious with security, however, as long as you check your statements and report any issues you should be fine.
Jo: The single best thing you can do is check your credit card statements EVERY month and look for anything suspicious.
Yes Scott: As long as you find and report any theft/issues in a timely manner.
You likely will not see anything on your Target account. The break in did effect Target customers but it was really the credit card companies that were breached. Check with your credit card company and as always... check your statements closely.
However... the credit card companies have made it very clear you will not incur any costs as long as you find and report any issues after you get your statement.
Kim: We have seen the same. A lot of people are calling Target AND the credit card companies and they are overwhelmed.
Interesting question Terry: the issue only effects physical use of your card in Target stores. Years ago there was a rather large breach with TJX which is TJ Max and Marshals.
Mike: Unfortunately, that likely will not protect you. However, the good news is that as long as you check your statements carefully for any issues, and report them timely, you will not be liable for any false charges.
Be sure to check your credit card statement when you get it. Not just this month but every month. If you find any false charges, they WILL reverse them and you are NOT liable.
Liz: Always a good idea to be paranoid. You are generally pretty safe as a consumer, however, I always strongly recommend checking EVERY statement thoroughly for any concerns.
Great question Angela. No. The hack was limited to physical card use IN the stores and not online. You are safe.