TJX Admits Breach of 45.7 Million Credit, Debit Card Records

TJX Cos. Inc. said computer hackers stole credit card from at least 45.7 million credit and debit cards over an 18-month period beginning in Dec. 2002.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the parent firm of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and A.J. Wright stores admitted it discovered this apparent breach last Dec. 18 and expects multiple lawsuits in the U.S. and Canada as it continues to investigate the matter.

Also stolen during the period were drivers' license numbers and other personal data on 455 million people. This personal information was collected by TJX from customers who returned merchandise without a receipt.