identity protection guide
We want your Target shopping experience to be safe and secure, that’s why we are providing our Target Circle™ Card (formerly Target RedCard™) holders with some tips so you know what you can expect when interacting with Target:
- Target takes a proactive approach to fighting fraud and identity theft. If a transaction or Target Circle™ Card (Target Debit Card, Target Credit Card, Target™ Mastercard®, and Target Circle Card Account [Target Circle Card Reloadable Account]) application looks suspicious, we may call you to verify that you have authorized the application or transaction.
- For some online account changes or other changes to your Target Circle Card account, you may be prompted to provide additional information about yourself, your account or your Target Circle Card. This helps reduce the risk of fraud and the possibility of identity theft.
- Target will never call, email or text to request personal information such as your password, Target Circle Card information (i.e., PIN number) or social security number. Target will never call or email you requesting your full social security number or PIN number. If you ever have a concern about a call, email or text you receive from Target, do not provide any information. Call Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 to verify that the information was sent to you by Target.
We also offer the following tips and information to help you protect yourself from identity theft or repair your credit if you’ve become a victim. This guide is not intended to be comprehensive, and the actual steps you take will depend on your circ*mstances. A comprehensive list of resources is included at the end of this guide.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft is the fastest-growing financial crime in the United States, with millions of victims to date. Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully uses your personal information, such as names, Social Security number, or even your cell phone number to obtain credit, property and services.
An identity thief may obtain your information from a variety of sources:
- email/Internet (identity theft rings posing as legitimate businesses)
- bank statements
- credit card statements
- credit card receipts
- checks
- driver’s license
- tax information
- vehicle purchase documentation
- mortgage records
- employment records
- health insurance/medical records
- unshredded personal documents
- unsecured Social Security number
- unsecured PIN (personal identification number)
- personal mailboxes (unsecured)/trash bins
What can you expect from Target?
Target card services takes a proactive approach to fighting fraud and identity theft. If a transaction or Target Circle Card application looks suspicious, we may call, email, or text you to verify that you have authorized the application or transaction. You are not responsible for any charges or transactions on your Target Circle Credit Card that you did not authorize. Please review the debit card agreement if you experience unauthorized or suspicious debit card charges or transactions. We will work to quickly resolve any fraud situations you may have with your Target Circle Card.
For some online account changes or other changes to your Target Circle Card, you may be prompted to provide additional information about yourself, your account or your Target Circle Card. This helps us ensure that we are talking to the right guest and reduces the risk of fraud and the possibility of identity theft.
If you ever have a concern about a text, call or email you receive from Target, do not provide any information. Call Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 or email them at [email protected] to verify that the information was sent to you by Target.
Target card services is ready to assist you if someone has stolen your identity to fraudulently open and/or used your Target Circle Card account. If you’ve experienced fraud in connection with a Target Mastercard, Target Credit Card or Target Debit Card, or Target Circle Card Reloadable Account, call one of the following numbers to reach a guest services representative:
Target Mastercard: 1-800-424-6888
Target Credit Card: 1-800-659-2396
Target Debit Card: 1-888-729-7331
Target Circle Card Reloadable: 1-833-840-4332
What can you do to protect yourself?
There are many free and easy steps that you can take to help protect yourself against credit fraud and identity theft.
- 1. Examine your credit report once a year for any unauthorized accounts or account activity
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. Go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp to order a free copy of your credit report.
- 2.Monitor billing statements of existing accounts for unusual or unauthorized activity
Keeping copies of your charge slips and comparing them to billing statement information will help you catch fraud quickly. If you ever see unauthorized activity on your Target Mastercard, Target Credit Card or Target Debit Card, you can reach us online at Target.com/CircleCard or call one of the following numbers to reach a guest services representative:
Target Mastercard: 1-800-424-6888
Target Credit Card: 1-800-659-2396
Target Debit Card: 1-888-729-7331
Target Circle Card Reloadable: 1-833-840-4332
- 3. Protect personal information
- Be cautious about giving out personal information over the Internet or telephone
- Only give information to known or well-established websites or companies. Many people find that their information has been stolen after they respond to an email or phone call requesting personal information.
- Before you give out any personal information, find out how it will be used and whether it will be shared.
- Keep personal data in a safe place such as a locked cabinet, safe or safe deposit box.
- Store personal records that you keep at work in a safe place.
- Shred or destroy credit card slips, bank account data, loan information and other financial records before throwing them out.
- Review your credit bureau report at least once a year for accuracy.
- 4.Watch your mail
Look for additional evidence of fraudulent activity in your mail and credit card bills. Report any new evidence to the credit bureaus, affected companies and the police.
- 5.Carry only the information you need
Storing personal information, such as a Social Security number, in your wallet or someplace easily accessible to others puts that information at risk. Carrying as few cards as possible minimizes the risk if your wallet is stolen. Also, never write personal information, such as an account number or driver’s license number, on the outside of an envelope.
Where can you find more information?
Here are some other useful contacts regarding identity theft and online scams:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)The FTC maintains an identity theft website that you may find helpful: www.consumer.gov/idtheft
1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)
OnGuardOnGuard provides helpful tips to protect against internet fraud, secure your computer and protect your personal information.
www.onguardonline.gov/stopthinkclick.html
3 major credit bureausEquifax www.equifax.com
Experian www.Experian.com
TransUnion www.transunion.com
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)This online video gives useful information on how to avoid online scams:
http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/guard/index.html
Consumer informationA detailed look at fighting back against identity theft:
Target Circle™ Card: Target Debit Card, Target Credit Card, Target™ Mastercard®, and Target Circle Card Account (Target Circle Card Reloadable Account). Subject to application approval and identity verification. The Target Circle debit card is issued by Target Corporation. The Target Circle credit cards (Target Credit Card and Target Mastercard) are issued by TD Bank USA, N.A. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International, Inc. Target Circle Card Account is a demand deposit account established by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, and card is issued by Pathward pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Funds are FDIC insured, subject to applicable limitations and restrictions, when we receive the funds deposited to your account.
