topic Re: Target Email - Legit? in Community Chat

Target Email - Legit?

pommom — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 21:06:46 GMT

Did anyone receive an email from Target offering free ID theft monitoring for one year w/Experian? Is this legitimate? I clicked on a few of the links and it looks authentic.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

MomOf4 — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 21:07:25 GMT

Yes and yes

Re: Target Email - Legit?

chickenbutt — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 21:15:13 GMT

Check the 'letter from a company' thread. Unfortunately, the thread title doesn't say what it's about, but it's about the same exact letter. HTH

Re: Target Email - Legit?

hennypenny — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 21:21:41 GMT

HI pommom.

I started the thread "letter from a company" . Most responders said they put the letter in spam or deleted. There was a link in there which I didn't touch. I put it in spam. It does look legit, but if i wanted free credit check I could get it from my bank or else where.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

KLevineFan — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 21:58:17 GMT

Yes, it is legit - I called Target about another issue, my mail order & they have a recording mentioning the URL link listed in the e-mail.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

gidgetgh — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 22:49:50 GMT

I had been wondering also. I got the email, but it went into my spam folder. I just hadn't had time to call them yet. Thanks for the info.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

BeckiWV — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 08:26:53 GMT

I got it too, but haven't done anything with it.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

aubnwa01 — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 09:05:10 GMT

I got the email yesterday, but didn't use the enclosed link, I went to Target's website instead to go to the Experian site & sign up.

Interestingly, I used my B Of A Visa card at a couple of places today, while I was out & about & when I got home & went to check my accounts online at B Of A's online site, I saw my checking & savings accounts & only one CC listed, instead of the two there should be & it was not the card I had used today. I called their automated CS line & it said the account had been closed & listed my balances & when the last payment was made & that no payment was due right now! I was like what the heck? I got a living CS person on the line & he said my account had been breached & B Of A had closed down that account & will be sending me a new card & in the meantime, I can still use the old card, except not online & any new charges will transfer to the new card when it arrives & I activate it. The guy told me they're in the process of notifying me & I just hadn't gotten the notice yet. I asked the guy if this was related to the Target hacking & he told me it might be. I shopped at Target during the time of the hack, both in the store & from dot com.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

HULAGIRL — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:51:37 GMT

I got one and read it, but I don't remember ever giving Target my e-mail address......I do not have their card......just used my debit card and one other credit card at their store during the hacking period.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

Puzzle Piece — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:27:23 GMT

I never gave Target my e-mail and haven't shopped there in about 2 years. Don't have their credit card either. I placed mine in junk and whoever sent the e-mail, should not be able to send again. We've been warned folks - the hackers are professional and sending a professional looking e-mail is suspect to me.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

philam — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 23:05:10 GMT

I got email about this but I don't have a target credit card and never gives out my e-mail address either. I use a bank issued check card for purchases and I call my bank for automated acct info. everyday. Not sure if I would avail for this offer.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

MickD — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 23:28:09 GMT

pommom ~ I received the email. My husband is an attorney and advised me to cancel the card and get a new one as the hackers can have your info for years, and then your card number is scammed. Suzie Orman (on The View today) suggested the same thing...cancel and get a new card.

~ Mick

Re: Target Email - Legit?

scotttie — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 00:14:24 GMT

My suggestion: NEVER CLICK ON LINKS ON THOSE TARGET EMAILS

I have gotten fraudulent ones and the links don't take you to where they are supposed to.

If you have want info from Target, it is better to go to their website.

Re: Target Email - Legit?

Allegheny — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 00:42:25 GMT

I find it ironic that "Target" was targeted. I think this is bigger then we all realize and involves more than just Target. Hackers have malware that capture all sorts of personal data and I am sure they have sophisticated methods of matching this data. Our VISA issued through our credit union was compromised. We received a call from VISA's security monitoring company on Christmas eve regarding a $7.95 charge from some place in India.

I cannot even remember the last time I was in a Target store. I do not have any of their cards. But I received their letter "as a guest of Target", which means they have information me. I will sign up for the protection, but directly through their web site.

I anticipate eventually our other cards will be compromised, this is just too big. Luckily we only maintain 2 credit cards and 1 debit card (which was already compromised last year). I only hope the "powers that be" expedite the encrypted cards sooner then anticipated. But alas, I assume the hackers are already finding ways to get to them also.

While we all may not directly feel the losses, the costs are eventually passed onto the consumer.