Philadelphia (January 29, 2007) - On January 29, 2007, the law firms of Berger & Montague, PC (www.bergermontague.com) and Stern Shapiro Weissberg & Garin, LLP (www.sswg.com) filed a class action suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on behalf of all consumers in the United States who had personal and financial data stolen from the computer network of TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX), and who were damaged thereby.

The complaint charges that TJX was negligent for failing to maintain adequate computer data security of customer credit and debit card data, which was accessed and stolen by a computer hacker.  As a result of TJX’s actions, customer information was stolen from TJX’s computer network that handles a wide range of financial information for millions of customers, including credit cards, debit cards linked to checking accounts, and transactions for returned merchandise.  Although TJX discovered the data breach in mid-December, 2006, it did not publicly announce the intrusion until one month later when it issued a press release on January 17, 2007.  The delay harmed class members in that it prevented them from taking appropriate measures to protect their accounts. 

While TJX continues to investigate the security breach, it has thus far determined that consumers who patronized TJX stores in 2003 and from mid-May through December 2006 may be affected. Because of TJX’s actions, hundreds of thousands or even millions of its customers have had their personal financial information compromised, have had their privacy rights violated, have been exposed to the risk of fraud and identity theft, and have otherwise suffered damages.

The law firm of Berger & Montague, PC consists of over 70 attorneys, all of whom represent plaintiffs in complex litigation.  The Berger firm has extensive experience in consumer, securities, and antitrust class action litigation, and has played lead roles in major cases over the past 30 years, which have resulted in recoveries of several billion dollars for consumers and investors.  The Stern Shapiro law firm has also been successfully involved in consumer and other class action litigation.

If you have been affected by the loss of credit card or other financial data, and have any questions regarding this matter, please contact:

Sherrie R. Savett     
Michael T. Fantini     
Jon J. Lambiras     
Berger & Montague, PC    
1622 Locust Street     
Philadelphia, PA, 19103       
Phone: 888-891-2289 or 215-875-3000  
Fax: 215-875-4604
Email: jlambiras@bm.net

Jonathan Shapiro
Stern Shapiro Weissberg & Garin, LLP
90 Canal Street
Boston, MA, 02114-2022
Phone: 617-742-5800
Fax: 617-742-5858   
Email: jshapiro@sswg.com