Surprise! Target Data Breach Could Include Your Info From Purchases Made A Decade Ago

[Newsjock]

Source: Forbes

On Wednesday, I received an email from Target that will by now be familiar to many of you. It turns out my personal data was stolen during the retailer’s massive breach. ... I assumed the note was some sort of mistake, or perhaps even a phishing scam, because I have not shopped at Target for a decade.

... So, what gives? I called Target to ask.

“The email that guests have received in the past week was to inform them of the second announcement related to partial personal data that had been obtained by Target through the normal course of our business, but not necessarily just during the November 27 – December 15 time frame,” a Target spokesperson said.

Meaning my personal data from that bath towel purchase in 2004 was stolen during this breach?

“I don’t have the specific time frame, but yes, that is the idea,” the press officer told me.

Read more: http://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2014/01/16/surprise-target-data-breach-could-include-your-info-from-purchases-made-a-decade-ago/

[NightWatcher]

1. that's it, I'm only shoplifting from now on

Why would Target need to remember that I bought a towel 5 years ago?

[frazzled]

4. Yeah, I got the email, too ... and was wondering the same

I hadn't bought anything at Target during the time discussed, so I was afraid to even open the email, thinking it was a scam.

Then I wondered how the hell Target even HAD my email, anyway. I've never ordered anything online from Target. I think the email (sorry, I trashed it so can't check) mentioned something about "viewing" online, however. Whazzup with that?

I used to shop at Target rather regularly in the later 80s and 90s, when we lived in Minnesota, and then I can't remember if we shopped there much when we lived in Massachusetts. I don't think there even was one there at the time. So that leaves Chicago, where I shop at Target maybe once or twice a year.

I'm mystified as to how my data could have been breached, but it's possible I bought a greeting card there this summer. It's also possible I used my (ugh) debit card.

[greymattermom]

2. what good will that do?

I don't have the same address, not even in the same state, don't have the same credit cards. That identity doesn't exist anymore. They even sent the announcement to the wrong email address.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. So, Target has "guests", eh?

Well, since "guests" do not have to pay for anything.....

[Demo_Chris]

5. Should Target be financially responsible for this? nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. oh goodie

[RandiFan1290]

7. Target likes to swipe IDs into their computers for alcohol, etc

Do they save that info?

[Gin]

8. I got an email from Target today.....i responded and gave my email.....now I wonder if that was

A scam".....i havent shopped there in years.