No April Fool’s Joke
By Bob McDonnellIt sounded like an April Fool’s joke.
Internet hackers had pulled the biggest credit card heist in history, stealing card info from 45.7 million shoppers of two of America’s most popular clothing stores.
But it wasn’t a joke.
TJX Inc., which owns T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, reported late last month that cyber thieves cracked into the computer system handling most of their credit card, debit card, check and merchandise return transactions across the globe. The intruder – who is still at-large – stole data from Jan. 2003 through Dec. 18, 2006. Bob’s Stores were the only TJX chain not affected.
Fortunately, no Virginians have yet reported being victimized.
If you’ve shopped at these stores over the past five years, look out for any suspicious activity on your bank and credit card statements. Also, keep tabs on your credit report. The only secure site to receive a free credit report, supported by the FTC, all three national credit agencies, and the Office of the Attorney General, is AnnualCreditReport.com. If you spot any irregularities, contact our Computer Crime Unit at 804-786-2071, your bank, and local law enforcement.
TJX is doing all it can to insure that their customers are protected and this issue is brought to a close. It is a fine company that employs a significant number of Virginians. The company set up a toll-free hotline for customers to report any concerns at 1-866-484-6978.
For more on AnnualCreditReport.com, plus additional tips, FAQs, helpful links, and contact info, visit the consumer section of the Office of the Attorney General website at: www.vaag.com/consumer.
For more on identity theft, to apply for an identity theft passport, or to file a complaint, visit http://www.vaag.com/FAQs/FAQ_IDTheft.html.
Consumer protection is an important statutory duty of the Office of the Attorney General, and our staff is here to help. In an age of increased identity theft and consumer scams, Virginians must be vigilant.