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

regarding your transactions....why don't you put (what was charged) on our statements? We have no idea of what was charged.....we want description of what it is being charged on our account

by ERNSTKJ@GMAIL.COM 12/19/2013 10:30:48 PM
Good question Tina! The credit card companies are VERY on top of theft in generally and while they may not contact you directly, they often stop all charges cold if they suspect fraud. But be sure to check your statement as well!

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:30:44 PM
Tina, thank you for sharing that information. I'm sure most companies are taking extra steps with this situation.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:30:38 PM
Just spoke to Ametican Express. They are monitoring all accounts for fraud. If there is a problem they will be in touch with us.

by Tina 12/19/2013 10:30:19 PM
Nicole, they would not have your bank information, only the Target REDCard information. Changing the REDCard out would solve your problem.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:30:06 PM
Bob: Early reports appear to indicate that malware (malicious software) was installed on the computers in the stores. Usually via tricking an employee within Target to click and open something.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:29:54 PM
I guess I should have been more clear, I do not use an actual 'credit card' from target. It is the REDcard debit. So could I ultimately close the REDcard without closing my bank account? Or is it likely that my bank account info is already compromised?

by Nicole 12/19/2013 10:29:24 PM
Have we been told if the Target websites were hacked and the database of cards was compromised? Or was this a hack by different means?

by Internet Bob 12/19/2013 10:28:56 PM
Chris, I am sure that Target is getting a lot of phone calls at this time. Please continue to try calling them to get that Target card changed. If you still cannot get through, you would need to discuss with your bank about the situation and get advice from them.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:28:47 PM
I have a target debit linked to my bank debit card. I cannot get through at either the posted Target number or the numer on the back of my card. If I get a new bank debit card the new one will just automatically connect to the existing, possibly compromised target debit. What do I do? I cannot get through to Target and I'm limited as to when I can call.

by Chris 12/19/2013 10:27:46 PM
Don't worry yet Karen! Target is likely flooded with calls for help. You can safely wait for your credit card statement to come and check for any problems. Glad to hear you are being dilligent!

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:27:30 PM
My account most likely has been compromised. I can't access my account on line, my Target Bills are e-bills, and Target does not answer when I called several times today. Bust for 2 hours, then they direct me to the website that is not available... So I went to the Target store and they tell me to call the number on the back of my card.... Right back where I started... HELP US!!

by Karen Winston 12/19/2013 10:26:31 PM
Great news Jennifer! The breach is supposedly fixed/resolved. However... there have been several highly publicized cases where breaches have hypothetically been closed only to find out that more breaches occured.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:25:53 PM
Has the problem been resolved with the hackers getting our info, meaning is it okay to shop at Target with cards? Im thinking may be best to stick with cash for awhile. We unfortunately found fraud on our account yesterday before this news came out and are waiting for the bank to reverse it, they have been great though.

by Jennifer 12/19/2013 10:24:42 PM
Duffy: It likely would NOT be extra purchases at Target... it likely will be odd purchases elsewhere that you didn't make. Be sure to look for any charges that look suspicious or that you know you didn't purchase.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:24:32 PM
Jan, if you used your card at a Target store in the affected period, November 27 through December 15, you are vulnerable, even if you have paid off your debts. Make sure to pay attention to your statements for any unexpected charges.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:24:23 PM
Even if my debit/credit card has no charges, is it still possible for identity theft? Should I get a copy of my credit report?

by Jan 12/19/2013 10:24:18 PM
What exactly should we be looking for on our statements? Extra purchases at Target, or something else?

by Duffy 12/19/2013 10:23:43 PM
Colleen... or go online to check it. Generally you are safe if you check your statements this month and ALWAYS. But you can always be more cautious.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:23:37 PM
So the only action to be taken right now (I used my debit card at target) is to watch my statement?

by Colleen 12/19/2013 10:22:52 PM
Gail: I suspect they are flooded. Not just Target but the credit card companies. Be sure to check your statements and you should be fine. There is nothing pressing that needs to be done today. Great question...

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:22:04 PM
Nicole, changing your pin will not protect you properly. It is possible to use a credit card number and CCV number online without needing a pin. You will need to get a new credit card number to ensure they cannot use your information.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:21:55 PM
Is that true? If I only used my RedCard at Target would changing the Pin keep them from being able to take money?

by Nicole 12/19/2013 10:21:52 PM
I tried calling the 800 # on the back of the card and another 800 # that is listed

by Gail 12/19/2013 10:21:15 PM
Margo: You should be fine, however (1) Always check your sttements carefully and (2) if you want to be extra cautious and cancel, I would never discourage being overly safe.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:20:49 PM
Hi I have a Target Red Debit card that's is linked to my bank account - should I cancel both?

by Margo 12/19/2013 10:20:00 PM
Barb: It's not just Target cards unfortunately. It's all cards. Changing the pin is not always sufficient. Just keep an eye on your statements and as always... be cautious.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:19:27 PM
Some Target cards are debit cards only that tied to personal bank accounts. In this case would changing the PIN be sufficient. There is no credit bill or payment involved.

by Barb 12/19/2013 10:18:46 PM
Bri: November 27 through December 15.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:18:34 PM
Bri, it affected all 50 states, all stores in the United States.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:18:19 PM
Were there specific states?

by Bri 12/19/2013 10:18:14 PM
Peggy: Only a concern IF you used it IN a store between Nov 27 and December 15. Always check your statements carefully as well.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:18:05 PM
I have the target debit red card. Should I cancel it and have them reissue?

by Peggy c 12/19/2013 10:17:32 PM
Interesting question Laurie... generally your only concern is the credit card theft, however... there IS a lot of personal information stored on your credit card that hypothetically COULD help someone steal your identity.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:17:16 PM
Nicole, This damage affected all of the Target stores in the United States. it does not affect any purchases made online, nor will it affect stores in Canada.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:16:56 PM
Was the breach all over the country? Or just in certain areas? Since it was done in actual Target stores, not online?

by Nicole 12/19/2013 10:16:54 PM
NOTE: David Parizek from InfoStream is also answering your questions.

by WPTV 12/19/2013 10:15:55 PM
Thank you Rob.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:15:46 PM
Thank you

by Rob Corcilius 12/19/2013 10:15:41 PM
Elizabeth: ALL cards used at a physical Target store are potentially compromised.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:15:39 PM
If you used your credit/debit card at the store, you need to pay attention to your statements, even if you have already paid off the charges in full. They still have the information on your account.

by David@infostream.cc 12/19/2013 10:15:33 PM
Even if my debit/credit card has no charges, is it still possible for identity theft? Should I get a copy of my credit report?

by Jan 12/19/2013 10:15:31 PM
Can you tell me if it's all bank cards or just a Target-issued credit card? Should I get a new card issued by my bank?

by Elizabeth Hill 12/19/2013 10:15:12 PM
Unfortunately yes Tony. Any card used AT the store is at risk. Just keep an eye out on your charges.

by Alan D. Crowetz 12/19/2013 10:15:06 PM
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