TJ Maxx may have know about identity theft threat two months earlier than reported

Posted by Joe on December 20th, 2007

You may remember the massive data breach by TJX, the parent company of popular retail store TJ Maxx, Bob's Stores, HomeGoods, Marshalls, and A.J. Wright, last year which exposed thousands of consumers to potential identity theft. The full extent of the breach is still unknown, but new information is coming to light that suggests that TJX may have known about the risk of identity theft several months before they notified the government and consumers.

The company officially released information regarding the data breach at their stores in mid November of 2006. But, an attorney involved with the matter recently mad statements in a court proceeding that TJX may have known about the breach as early as October 3, 2006- two months earlier.

It is hard to know whether or not the claim that TJX knew of the breach nearly two months before information was released to the public are accurate or not, but it definitely underscores the importance of consumers being proactive with identity theft protection.

As always, we strongly suggest that consumers arm themselves with an identity theft protection service such as LifeLock, Identity Guard or TrustedID. Read our in-depth identity theft prevention service reviews and comparisons to learn more.