Missed Target

I like Target stores. I’m unashamed to admit that! And as soon as they opened in Canada, I stopped making treks to Port Huron to visit them. But you have to wonder why major retailers can’t keep customer information safe. 

Late last year about 70-million American customers of Target had their debit and credit card data stolen. The company said 40-million were affected but we learned this month that many more were involved. In the past week we learned that Canadian customers of US Target stores had personal information stolen including names, addresses and other info. This time, financial info wasn’t touched.  In fact, most of the stolen info is already publicly available.  I was one of thousands who received an email from Target warning me that I might have been part of the scam. It reads in part:

“Because we value you as a guest and your trust is important to us, Target is offering you one year of free credit monitoring through the Equifax CompleteTM Advantage Plan, which includes identity theft insurance where available.”

They actually say they’re sorry, which most companies go out of their way to avoid. I appreciate that and I wasn’t even in a US Target store during the period when the breach occurred. Free credit monitoring sounds pretty good. But it would simply be nice if companies that stockpiled personal and sensitive information could find a way to keep it as secure as I do with my shredder and refusal to share info. And if Target can’t do it, I hope another retailer starts carrying Downy Wrinkle Releaser or I’m in trouble!

PS The credit report is fascinating and I’m glad I got it! Now I know there’ll be an alert if anyone tries to assume my identity or use my financial info. Peace of mind. Thanks Target.