Since around Thanksgiving until just a few days ago, Target customers have been exposed to cyber thieves, around 40 million customers to be exact.

Because of this theft, Target has scrambled to correct the infraction and to guarantee its customers that the problem has been remedied, but to watch their credit and debit charges closely.

Chase Bank has put limits on debit purchases and withdrawals to protect customers from unauthorized charges in an effort to avoid further complications to this unfortunate situation. Also, to limit the amount thieves can get their hands on, should they use the credit information they obtained. This has greatly inconvenienced shoppers who have bank accounts with JP Morgan Chase.

Target’s CEO has been very vocal with its customers about this infraction – in emails and on their website. “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.”

Target has since offered a 10 percent discount to all shoppers who were affected by this breach. In a statement released by Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel, he says the 10% discount will last from Saturday, Dec. 21 to Sunday, Dec. 22.

But apparently that wasn’t sufficient to thwart lawsuits and major complaints from customers.

So he added, as of December 21st, all shoppers are also entitled to a free credit report, directly from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies.

“We want to reassure guests that they will not be held financially responsible for any credit and debit card fraud,” said Steinhafel.

With the @Target data breach, here's what it means if you have a fraud alert on your #creditreport: http://t.co/gYyBdGV3jE

— Laura D. Adams (@LauraAdams) December 23, 2013

Target Note: Target Corp. has advised their customers to check their statements carefully. Those who suspect there has been unauthorized activity on their cards should report it to their credit card companies and call Target at 866-852-8680. Cases of identity theft can also be reported to law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.

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