TK Maxx hit by hackers
Hundreds of thousands of West Midlands shoppers could be victims of the world's biggest credit card scam involving discount store TK Maxx.
Hackers stole the bank card details of more than 45 million British and American shoppers from the computer systems of the American retailer that owns the bargain chain.
Every customer who used a credit or debit card at a branch of TK Maxx between January 2003 and June 2004 is at risk.
TK Maxx has outlets in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Merry Hill, Stafford, Kidderminster and three in Birmingham. It employs 1,000 people at a distribution centre in Walsall.
The 210 stores in Britain and Ireland and sells designer clothes and accessories at knockdown prices.
Banks and card firms have found "preliminary evidence" of fraud using data stolen from TJX – TK Maxx's parent firm. More cases are being investigated.
Numbers were accessed on the firm's systems in Watford, Hertfordshire, and in America over a 17-month period. TK Maxx said it did not know who the intruders were, or how many people were part of the scam.
It said it did not know how many UK customers could be affected or over what period. It has a helpline and is advising people to check bank statements.
TJX spokeswoman Sherry Lang said: "We have identified two files that were removed from our UK system but we still do not know precisely what was in them." She said security had been tightened on computer systems and customers should feel safe shopping in its stores.
The FBI are investigating the fraud, which was first discovered on December 18.
The fraud is much bigger than the previous largest heist when just over 40 million CardSystems Solutions records were compromised in 2005.
Anyone who thinks they are a victim should call the helpline on 0800 779015.
Top tips to help protect your identity
Card fraud experts at the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS) have issued the following advice to shoppers to help them guard against identity theft. The top tips from the organisation are:
* Guard your card and card details and don't let it out of your sight when making a transaction
* Ask the retailer to confirm the amount
* Shred all receipts and documents containing information relating to your financial affairs
* Check your receipts against your statements carefully. If you find an unfamiliar transaction, contact your bank or building society immediately
* Never write down your PIN number and never disclose it to anyone
* Be wary of onlookers when using a cash machine
* Don't keep your cheque book with your cards
* Report lost or stolen cards or suspected fraud mmediately
* Sign any new cards as soon as they arrive
* Cut expired cards through the magnetic stripe or chip when replacement cards arrive
If you are a victim of card fraud:
* Inform your bank or building society
* Report the theft or loss to the police immediately
* The bank or building society will usually refund the full amount lost.
The most that victims have to pay is £50.
