Two Dozen Target Security Breach Class Actions Filed

Nearly 40 million shoppers’ personal information was compromised last week as Target announced that credit and debit card numbers, as well as other personal information, had been stolen while consumers checked out at the store between November 27 and December 15. Now, Target faces almost two dozen putative class action lawsuits, which accuse the company of failing to protect shoppers’ personal information.

The security breach could have been avoided.

On December 18, Target made a public statement about the breach, claiming that the company had “identified and resolved the issue,” but reminding shoppers to monitor their bank statements for any suspicious charges. Just hours after the news broke, the first lawsuit against Target was filed by California resident Jennifer Kirk. The malware, which obtained credit or debit card numbers, cards’ expiration dates, three-digit security codes (CVVs), and customers’ names, can be used to make charges, open new financial accounts, take out loans, and clone credit or debit cards. According to the lawsuit, Kirk predicted that the security breach left “millions” of shoppers at risk for identity theft.

In the complaint, Kirk critiqued Target’s statement, saying that it conveyed “a false sense of security to affected customers,” since stolen data can be saved for years before thieves use the information or the victim notices. Furthermore, if it were not for Target’s negligence and insufficient security measures, the security breach could have been avoided, she said.

According to BBC News and CNN, almost two dozen lawsuits have been filed across the country in states including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington – and they’re all seeking class certification. Furthermore, attorneys general from several states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York have reportedly requested further information about the security breach.

Target advised shoppers to contact the company at 866-852-8680 if they suspect unauthorized activity.