Belmont Savings Contacts Customers Affected by Target Data Scam

Over the past weekend, Belmont Savings Bank announced that it had contacted all affected customers by the Target Corp data breach to explain plans to reissue debit cards by Jan. 15. 

“While Belmont Savings was not connected with Target’s data theft problem, we want to take every action possible to protect our customers,” said Bob Mahoney, President and CEO of Belmont Savings Bank. 

“Our fraud detection system provides strong protection in case of unusual activity.  However, the best protection is to issue a new card with new numbers.” 

As soon as the breach was revealed, the bank researched and identified customers that used their Belmont Savings debit card at Target during Nov. 27 and Dec. 15.  These customers were sent emails and letters explaining the process to obtain a new card.  

Given how dependent customers are on their cards during the holidays, the bank has kept the potentially affected cards open and has monitored them for fraudulent activity.  Once the customer contacts the bank a new card will be issued and the old card will be terminated.

According to Target, about 40 million credit and debit card accounts may have been affected by a data breach that occurred between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15.  The stolen data includes customer names, credit and debit card numbers, card expiration dates and the three-digit security codes located on the backs of cards.  The breach did not impact online purchases. 

“Only a community bank can deliver this kind of highly personalized service,” said Mahoney. “Large banks simply can't do it. It’s yet another reason to choose a strong community-focused bank like Belmont Savings.”

For more information, contact Belmont Savings at  617-993-1400 and press option number 3.  Or for more information, visit https://www.belmontsavings.com/home/misc/target.