Live identity theft chat with computer and security expert

Alan Crowetz, CEO of InfoStream, answers your questions about ID theft and how to protect yourself from being a victim.

3rd & 7 37yd

If I only used my target Visa card to make a payment on my account at the store do I need to be concerned?

by Tony 12/19/2013 10:14:38 PM
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.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:14:29 PM
As a victim what must be done in restoring my credit

by Rob Corcilius 12/19/2013 10:13:36 PM
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.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:13:34 PM
Thank you Larry. Unfortunately, Credit Card theft is a major and regular issue companies have to battle on a daily basis.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:13:26 PM
Thankyou scott , someone got my GFs info and she caught it , card info was being used out of texas not sure if related to this breach but thanks for your help

by Larry 12/19/2013 10:12:56 PM
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.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:12:46 PM
Should we change our PIN numbers

by Jo 12/19/2013 10:12:14 PM
Hello there, I have a question I applied for a Target Credit Card on the 10th of December should I cancel it and get a new one issued?

by Brandy 12/19/2013 10:12:01 PM
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.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:11:57 PM
Erica: Just keep checking. It can be months before theifs try to use the card. Keep an eye out!

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:11:54 PM
I shopped at target between the given dates. I used my target red debit card. Should I be worried? I have not noticed any fraud yet... Does that mean I'm safe or should I continue to keep an eye out?

by Erica 12/19/2013 10:11:31 PM
Jo: Possibly. However, the debit card companies should reverse and recredit the money as long as you report the false charge timely.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:11:22 PM
If I cancel my debit card and request a new one will that help? Besides card info, can they somehow get your bank account info? Like account number, etc.

by nancy 12/19/2013 10:10:57 PM
Mine is also linked to my bank account. Can money be removed from my account using my debit eedcard

by Jo 12/19/2013 10:10:45 PM
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.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:10:27 PM
Jeff: The breach affects ANY cards used at a physical Target store. Regardless of the brand.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:10:13 PM
Did the breach just happen with Target debit and credit cards or any debit or credit card used at Target?

by Jeff 12/19/2013 10:09:30 PM
Is there any protection for the fraud, will target reverse the charges if they are fraud?

by Retired911 12/19/2013 10:09:14 PM
Thank YOU Scott: Glad we can be helpful. As a side note... Canadian users are supposedly safe.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:09:06 PM
thanks. i'm in canada. love your stores.

by scott goldstein 12/19/2013 10:08:41 PM
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.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:08:40 PM
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.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:08:36 PM
Should we call our credit card company n request new card to play it safe?

by Larry 12/19/2013 10:07:55 PM
Jo: The single best thing you can do is check your credit card statements EVERY month and look for anything suspicious.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:07:44 PM
Candace,

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:07:43 PM
I have a Target Debit Redcard that is connected to my bank account. Can they get my bank account information or just my card information?

by Candice 12/19/2013 10:07:38 PM
So if you have a target debit card what is the best course of action in my part

by Jo 12/19/2013 10:07:08 PM
Yes Scott: As long as you find and report any theft/issues in a timely manner.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:06:57 PM
will my card be credited?

by scott goldstein 12/19/2013 10:06:36 PM
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.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:06:32 PM
I cannot even log into my target account to see if there is anything going on, what can I do?

by Retired911 12/19/2013 10:05:35 PM
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.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:05:28 PM
Kim: We have seen the same. A lot of people are calling Target AND the credit card companies and they are overwhelmed.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:04:47 PM
Cannot get on the website to check my account. Tried calling but held for a long time. Is there an alternative to reach Target account?

by kim daughtry 12/19/2013 10:04:08 PM
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.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:03:55 PM
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.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:02:08 PM
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.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:01:09 PM
Hello Kim:

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:00:30 PM
What is the first thing that we should do if we used our card at Target during this time.

by Candice 12/19/2013 10:00:24 PM
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.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:00:17 PM
I was a victim of this hacking. My Debit card had a $ 1850 pending purchase thats after investigating my crecit union reversed. I have a new debit card now. Are there any other steps I should be taking or following up on?

by liz 12/19/2013 9:59:34 PM
Great question Angela. No. The hack was limited to physical card use IN the stores and not online. You are safe.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 9:59:21 PM
The live chat begins at 5 p.m. Feel free to submit your questions now. And if you think you were a victim of the Target hacking, here's a list of four things to do right now:
Target credit, debt card breach update: 4 things to do after your credit card has been hacked
WPTVThere are a four steps you should take immediately to protect yourself.

by WPTV 12/19/2013 9:50:24 PM
Meet today's expert.
Alan Crowetz: Internet security expert answers your questions
WPTVAlan Crowetz is the President and CEO of InfoStream, Inc., a computer and business-consulting firm based out of West Palm Beach, Florida.

by WPTV 12/19/2013 5:54:33 PM

Live identity theft chat with computer and security expert

Alan Crowetz, CEO of InfoStream, answers your questions about ID theft and how to protect yourself from being a victim.

Target credit, debt card breach update: 4 things to do after your credit card has been hacked

Alan Crowetz: Internet security expert answers your questions