Target Confirms 40 Million Customers' Data at Risk

The credit and debit card information of 40 million customers may be at risk after a potential data theft at Target stores across the country. The Secret Service is currently investigating the "massive data breach," according to USA Today.

The breach began on Black Friday, and spanned until Dec. 15, according to the report. It's possible that someone could have stolen information stored on the magnetic stripe on the backs of cards. If a pin number was acquired, the person could then use an ATM to withdraw cash from a customer's bank account. The thieves could also use the information to create counterfeit credit cards.

Target is based in Minneapolis, with almost 1,800 stores in the United States and 124 in Canada, according to its website. In New Hampshire, Target has stores in Bedford, Concord, Greenland, Hooksett, Keene, Nashua, Salem and Somersworth.

The data theft does not appear to involve online purchases. 

More information is available at Target’s corporate website. Guests who suspect unauthorized activity should contact Target at: 866-852-8680.

Have you been affected by the data theft at Target? Leave a comment below.