People shopping this week at the Sudbury Winners and HomeSense big box stores don't need to be afraid their credit card or bank information could be accessed by fraud artists, says a spokeperson for TJX Companies.
Based in Farmington, Mass.,the company issued a statement Thursday regarding "an unauthorized intrusion" into its company computer system discovered in December.
But Sherry Lang, vice-president of investor and public relations, says the company has taken action to protect current customer transactions.
Customers can feel safe about shopping in the stores, said Lang. TJX has strengthed the security of its computer system to prevent future intrusions.
TJX Companies owns 184 Winners and 68 HomeSense stores in Canada.The information illegally accessed is in regard to credit and debit card sales transations in TJX stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico during 2003, and information from mid-May through December 2006.
Lang said the company was not aware of any fraudulent activity involving this information as of Jan. 17. 2007 when the TJK statement was released.
The company is working with banks and credit card companies regarding information removed from its system.
Credit card companies and banks would notify customers of any problems, Lang said.
The full extend of the theft and affected customers are still not known.Winners and HomeSense customers should check their credit card bills and bank information and look for any irregularities, said Lang.
They should notify their bank/credit card company if they suspect fraud.
Canadian customers can phone a toll-free number for further information: 866-903-1408. More information is also available at www.tjx.com.
