Home Depot Credit Card Breach! Bigger Than Target? [UPDATE]

[1492]

This according to KrebsOnSecurity.com who just today reported that banks and law enforcement are actively investigating a breach of customer credit card records, similar to the Target breach earlier this year. Though the number of U.S./Canadian stores involved may be significantly higher.



Source: KrebsOnSecurity.com



It also appears to be perpetrated by the same hacker group which is reportedly selling the hacked credit card data on the internet. Home Depot has not yet made an official statement as the investigation is ongoing.

See article for details Credit Card Breach at Home Depot.



★UPDATE!★ Home Depot Offering FREE Credit Protection/ID Theft Insurance

[magicbus]

rockhillmanor wrote:
... Fast forward to today and they get your card number and now have the capability of getting INTO that account and getting you social, BD, info etc. In most cases that swipe bar has all your info on it. And sometimes all the info off your DL too.

I'm not sure where you "learned" that all of this information is stored on your credit card, but you learned wrong. Heck there just isn't room on the mag strip for all that info!

More likely is that people store their passwords (instead of nude celeb pix) on their iPhone which then, unbeknownst to them, gets uploaded to the "tunes cloud" and then someone just brute-forces their account and gets all their passwords. Android is no better.

But seriously, your debit and credit card doesn't have your life's information on it!

Dave

[hawkeye-08]

I recommend a credit monitoring service (I use Experian) and closely watching your statements. I have alerts on my Amex card that instantly texts me when a purchase is made without the card present (like when I make online purchases).

[rockhillmanor]

bwanshoom wrote:
...
Not sure what this means: "These crooks today are going in [[way deeper into your info than just the ability to use your card and charge some stuff at stores until you call it in stolen"

10 15 years ago all they did do was charge a bunch of stuff on a stolen card until you cancelled it and sure the bank did not hold you responsible for the charges.

Fast forward to today and they get your card number and now have the capability of getting INTO that account and getting you social, BD, info etc. In most cases that swipe bar has all your info on it. And sometimes all the info off your DL too.

THAT is what the NEW criminals are after, the data.

I've had friends that cancelled their stolen card only to find out later the thieves were opening numerous new accounts, buying homes, cars, etc. under their name using their social, bd and using/selling it. My one friend wasn't even aware of it until they went to buy a new car and found out.:(

It's a different world out there today. Just google it and read all the horror stories how people were financially ruined from stolen info.

They interviewed several people from the Target hack and I was shocked all what happened to their credit/finances and are STILL fighting to get it back and fixed to no avail!

[Johno02]

I also have a small side account that is used only for credit or debit card accounts. Keep a close eye on it, and be ready to close or report any problems there.

[pyoung47]

New cards incorporate a chip, making them much more difficult to clone. We use a square for our craft business. Personally i wouldnt trust one of those at all, but no one questions it and hardly anyone asks for a text receipt. I guess my wife looks honest. Discover allows you to create single use numbers for online purchases.

[fj12ryder]

Nothing in this world is 100% anything. I worry more about getting mugged and having my cash stolen than whether or not some thief gets my CC info. I've had some cards mis-used by thieves in the past, and it's never cost me a cent, and been only a minor inconvenience.

I only have 2 cards, neither of them a debit card, and I use one for online purchases and one for non-online purchases. Doesn't matter what you use, someone somewhere is going to try and separate you from your dough.

[bwanshoom]

Credit cards have never been 100% safe to use. 15 years ago my parents had a stream of fraudulent charges on their card, not because of online use or handheld scanners, but because a waiter misappropriated the information on it.

You are protected by law against the misuse of your card. Your maximum liability is $50. At worst, it's a hassle to have to get a card reissued.

Not sure what this means: "These crooks today are going in way deeper into your info than just the ability to use your card and charge some stuff at stores until you call it in stolen"

[rk911]

WyoTraveler wrote:
Not sure. Is it just Home Depot cards or any credit cards used at Home Depot?

CBS reporting this morning that it may involve credit and debit cards. to those who are worried:

step 1 - take a breath and calm down. the world is not ending.

step 2a - if you're using or have used a debit card at HD change your PIN...now. it may involve a call to your bank. and remember, you can always request to have your account canceled and replaced.

step 2b - if you're using or have used a credit card at HD check your monthly statements. you all are already checking those statements anyway, right? report suspicious activity to your CC issuer. and remember, you can always request to have your card replaced.

step 2c - either of the above may require adjustments for automatic debits of monthly bills.

step 3 - if you shop online do not store your CC information on the vendor's website. why make it easier for the bad guys.

[rockhillmanor]

sherlock62 wrote:

rockhillmanor wrote:


IMHO credit cards are no longer safe to use.

Nonsensical!

And that would be 'your opinion'.

The card itself is not the problem it is all the new ways and ability to get the info off of them.

Something as simple as a hand held scanner that are easily purchased off the internet and all the people willing to take the time to steal the info. Electronic pick pocketing. All they have to do is walk by you with a hand held scanner and right thru woman's pursues and men's wallet and boom they got your cc info.

And all the latest big box store hackings should be enough to know that your CC info is no longer 100% safe and protected.

These crooks today are going in way deeper into your info than just the ability to use your card and charge some stuff at stores until you call it in stolen and shut it down. :W Just "my" humble opinion.

[Thunder_Mountai]

Saw that yesterday and let our a string of four letter words. We used the Home Depot credit card to order a bunch of stuff on line. Went to their website and there is nothing posted concerning the breach. Guess I'll have to see what shakes out.

[sherlock62]

rockhillmanor wrote:


IMHO credit cards are no longer safe to use.

Nonsensical!

[rockhillmanor]

I know a couple of people who had their cards hacked at Target. It is truly a nightmare. And to this day no one will help them. Hard earned money stolen, Credit permanently ruined etc etc.

Years ago I had my account hacked ONCE when I used it to purchase something on the internet. Never again.:(

When I hit the road full time the first thing I did was open a checking account in a bank separate from where my retirement money is, to be used only for purchases with the debit/credit card that came with it.

I keep a very small amount of money in it. And add money when needed. I pay cash for most of my purchases. If they hack it they won't get much.

I have been on the road 7 years without ever using a real credit card. In fact I don't even own a credit card. And I adamantly refuse to own credit cards offered by stores. Don't care how much discounts they offer if you get one of their cards.

IMHO credit cards are no longer safe to use.

[christopherglen]

Sounds like it is time to "loose" the favorite credit card to the shredder, and have a new one issued... again...

[1492]

If it was like the Target breach, it could involve both credit and debit cards. And not just their own branded cards.

I haven't made any major credit purchases at HD during this period. But use my debit card often for smaller purchase less than $20. So I will be watching this carefully!!!

[fj12ryder]

Just a minor hijack, but whatever came of those millions and millions of passwords and ID's that were stolen a month or so ago. I've never heard anymore about that?