Watch CBS News

Target: 40 Million Card Accounts May Be Breached

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Customer information collected by the popular retailer Target has been hacked, according to a special alert on its website.

Target says customer credit card information -- names, credit or debit numbers, expiration dates and three-digit security codes -- were compromised.

KDKA's Jon Delano Reports:

"I use a credit card here, and I use the red card, and I use my own debit card at times. And I do think that is troubling," says Jodi Beemer, a Target customer from Bradford Woods.

Forty million cards used for between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 could be at risk -- and customers are worried.

"Identity theft or anything that's related to your money, you really should be concerned about it," says James McMiller of the Hill District.

There probably isn't a worst time of year for a problem like this to surface.

Christmas holiday shopping is key to these retail stores.

But Target insists that they've resolved this issue, and there's no problem shopping there now.

Target's CEO Gregg Steinhafel, in a statement, says, "Target's first priority is preserving the trust of our guests and we have moved swiftly to address this issue, so guests can shop with confidence."

But shoppers may not be convinced.

"It does concern me a little, so I don't know if I'll be shopping there with my credit card again," notes Ashley Meyer of Ross.

Point Park University business professor Elaine Luther says customers should double-check accounts for unauthorized charges, and if there's something suspicious, "the best thing you can do is ask right away, say it's in protest, put it in writing, keep a record of it."

But the best future safeguard is hard -- avoid credit cards.

"I would rather write a check than use a credit card," says Diane Gierl of Perry Hilltop.

KDKA's Ken Rice Reports:

RELATED LINKS:
More Consumer News
More Reports by Jon Delano

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.