Business & Tech

Target CEO Says Customers Not Responsible for Fraudulent Charges

"Even if you shopped at Target during this time frame (Nov. 27-Dec. 15), it doesn't mean you are a victim of fraud," says Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel.

The following is a letter sent via email by Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel 
to the store's customers on Friday:

Dear Target Guest,

As you have likely heard by now, Target experienced unauthorized access to payment card data from U.S. Target stores. We take this crime seriously. It was a crime against Target, our team members and most importantly you - our valued guest.

We understand that a situation like this creates stress and anxiety about the safety of your payment card data at Target. Our brand has been built on a 50-year foundation of trust with our guests, and we want to assure you that the cause of this issue has been addressed and you can shop with confidence at Target. We want you to know a few important things:

  • The unauthorized access took place in U.S. Target stores between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15, 2013. Canadian stores and target.com were not affected.
  • Even if you shopped at Target during this time frame, it doesn’t mean you are a victim of fraud. In fact, in other similar situations, there are typically low levels of actual fraud.
  • There is no indication that PIN numbers have been compromised on affected bank issued PIN debit cards or Target debit cards. Someone cannot visit an ATM with a fraudulent debit card and withdraw cash.
  • You will not be responsible for fraudulent charges – either your bank or Target have that responsibility.
  • We’re working as fast as we can to get you the information you need. Our guests are always the first priority.
  • For extra assurance, we will offer free credit monitoring services for everyone impacted. We’ll be in touch with you soon on how and where to access the service.
Please read the full notice below. And over the coming days and weeks we will be relying on corporate.target.com and our various social channels to answer questions and keep you up to date.Thank you for your patience, understanding and loyalty to Target!

Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here