The latest data security snafu at Target has affected an estimated 40 million customers in the U.S. and now the company's call centers have to pay for the breach by adding extra staff and working all day, even on Christmas.
Earlier this week, Target confirmed that the sophisticated hack into its payment systems took place from November 27 and extended till December 15. The retailer's 1,797 bricks-and-mortar stores were affected during the hack across the country where customers used their cards to make a payment.
Target also made an official statement confirming that payment security system in its stores were compromised and it was working closely with the country's law enforcement and financial institutions. The retailer also took the opportunity to apologize to its customers regarding the entire episode and confirmed that the flaw was identified as well as resolved.
"Target's first priority is preserving the trust of our guests and we have moved swiftly to address this issue, so guests can shop with confidence. We regret any inconvenience this may cause," said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Target. "We take this matter very seriously and are working with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice."
Customers who had shopped at a Target store will undoubtedly have various queries to be clarified with the retailer. Increased customer query means increase in the number of telephone calls at the retailer's contact centers. To keep customers satisfied and to make sure that consumers get response to their queries in a timely manner, Target has added extra staff to in its contact centers and is also working throughout the day, even on Christmas, to responsd to customer questions.
The company also posted a message on Twitter confirming that its contact centers are operating over Christmas day as well.
We are adding team members to call centers every day & are taking calls 24/7, including Christmas Day. (2 of 2)
— Target (@Target) December 24, 2013
