Target fraud---debit card ????

[NC State Tigger]

I used my Target red debit card and pin during the fraud period.

Is the bank account that the debit card is linked to compromised? Do I need to cancel my regular bank account to be safe or will having the Target red debit card reissued with a new account number and pin take care of it?

The bank information associated with the Target debit card is not part of the information stored on the magnetic strip---IS IT?

 

[Gorechick]

There are some other threads about this, you may want to do a board search for more info.

 

[LJSquishy]

I also have the RedCard Debit card and first only changed my pin number but yesterday I had them reissue me a new card number (new card to arrive in 7-10 days). It's my understanding that with the old card being deactivated now that it cannot be used at all to access my checking account in any way. I don't think bank routing information can be used/accessed.. My credit union told me to cancel the RedCard and get a new one...they didn't say I needed to change my checking account numbers.

 

[JB2K]

The bank information associated with the Target debit card is not part of the information stored on the magnetic strip---IS IT?

It shouldn't be.

Reason is, there is no "instant" link between the Target Debit Card and your bank. Example: card gets swiped at the point of sale, then it takes about 1-2 business days before the transaction actually gets posted to your account. This process happens through the Automated Clearing House (ACH).

That said, I believe the process goes something like this:

• Card is swiped at the register
• Transaction immediately goes from store POS to Target computers, elsewhere
• Target computers then process transaction and with your bank information on file, there, Target initiates an ACH withdrawal from your bank
• ACH withdrawal is posted to your personal bank account

Hope this helps...the best thing you can do in the meantime is to monitor your REDCard account at Target.com and look for any unusual locations/transactions.