TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) has notified the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) of an unauthorized access to the personal information of approximately 41,000 customers with New York State addresses. TJX is the parent company of several stores that include TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Home Goods and A.J. Wright. TJX advised customers to contact their local DMV offices because it is possible that the information taken included driver license numbers and social security numbers (SSN).

It is important to note that NYS driver license numbers are unique, and your NYS driver license number is not related to or based on your SSN. TJX generated a generic letter to customers in all states because, in certain states other than NYS, the SSN is used as a factor to determine the driver license number.

Below are some questions and answers about this issue.

What occurred at TJX Companies?

TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) informed the NYS DMV of the theft of certain data from the TJX computer systems.

What data was stolen?

A TJX letter to customers stated that it is possible that names, addresses and driver license numbers were included in the information that was taken. The NYS DMV contacted TJX and determined that NYS driver license information was only collected when the customer returned merchandise without a receipt to TJX Companies, Inc. TJX has indicated that here are approximately 41,000 New York State customers in this category.

Was any other information obtained?

In an additional letter, TJX informed affected customers that it was possible that social security numbers (SSN) were also included in the compromised data.

It is important to note that NYS driver license numbers are unique, and your NYS driver license number is not related to your SSN. TJX generated a generic letter to customers in all states because, in certain states other than NYS, the SSN is used as a factor to determine the driver license number.

In NYS, the DMV uses your SSN only to verify your identity. Your SSN does not appear on your driver license documents or on records available to the public.

Were NYS DMV computer systems or data compromised?

NYS DMV data and computer systems were not compromised in any way.

If a TJX customer did not provide a NYS driver license number to TJX, then the NYS driver license number of the customer was not obtained because of the TJX incident.

How will the TJX incident affect my NYS driver license?

Based on past experience, it is not likely that this incident will impact any NYS driver license record or information. NYS DMV systems and procedures are designed to protect your driver license document and records from alteration and fraudulent transactions.

What can I do to make sure my NYS DMV driver license record has not been affected by the TJX incident?

Call the NYS DMV at 1-800-697-1553. A representative will check your driver license record. The representative can review the most recent transaction to verify that your driver license record and information have not been compromised.

What can I do if I have evidence that indicates that my driver license information was compromised?

Complete the NYS DMV form FI-17, Report of Unauthorized Use of License/Registration. The form is available from your NYS DMV Call Center or local DMV office.

What should I do if I suspect I have been a victim of credit fraud?

The NYS DMV recommends that you contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report misuse of your credit information. You can contact the FTC at 1-877- 438-4338 or through the FTC website.

You can also contact one of the following credit reporting agencies to enter a fraud alert on your record.

Credit Reporting Agency Toll-Free Number Web Site Mailing Address
Equifax 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com PO Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-2041
Experian 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com PO Box 9532
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289 www.transunion.com Fraud Victim Assistance Division
PO Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834-6790