Target Nearly Doubles Estimate of Customers Affected by Data Breach
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Target(MINNEAPOLIS) — The data breach last month that affected the credit and debit card accounts of millions of Target shoppers caused more damage than first thought, the retail giant announced on Friday.
In a statement, Target said up to 70 million customers were impacted by the breach. Originally, the company reported that 40 millions individuals had been affected.
Target also noted that thieves were able to steal more information than had been previously disclosed. Not only did they get their hands on customer names, account numbers, security codes and expiration dates from the magnetic strips on the backs of credit and debit cards, but thieves were also able to steal mailing addresses, email addresses and phone numbers.
Target confirmed to ABC News Friday morning that the additional personal information discovered stolen in the pre-Christmas breach “was obtained through the normal course of Target’s business,” which is to say both in-store and online. Until now, the company had said the breach only affected those who shopped in its stores between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15.
“I know that it is frustrating for our guests to learn that this information was taken and we are truly sorry they are having to endure this,” Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel said in the statement. “I also want our guests to know that understanding and sharing the facts related to this incident is important to me and the entire Target team.”
Target said customers “will have zero liability for the cost of any fraudulent charges arising from the breach.” The retailer is also offering credit monitoring and identity theft protection free of charge for a year to those who shopped at its U.S. stores.
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