Banks report more problems with TJX security breach

Banks reported today more problems from customers following TJX Cos.'s disclosure that a far-reaching security breach of its computer systems may have made customer credit- and debit-card data vulnerable to fraud.

So far 28 banks have been told by credit-card associations that some of their card holders may have had personal information exposed in the TJX breach, the Massachusetts Bankers Association said in a statement today, and the number is likely to go higher as a survey continues.

On Wednesday TJX reported it had discovered in mid-December that an unauthorized intrusion into its computer systems had compromised personal information of its customers dating as far as back as 2003. As many as millions of customers may have been affected. TJX is a Framingham retailer that operates more than 2,500 stores, including T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods.

The bankers' association also questioned why TJX kept credit- and debit-card information on file for so long. "It appears that they may have been capturing data that is unnecessary," Daniel J. Forte, the bankers association president, said in a statement today.

TJX spokeswoman Sherry Lang would not comment on the bankers' association statement. She reiterated that the company does not yet know of any acts of fraud related to customers' personal data.

A spokesman for Citizens Bank of Massachusetts said today that it has been told by MasterCard Inc. "of the potential compromise of some of our customers' information.''

TJX has set up a special helpline, 1-866-484-6978, and put information on its website, www.tjx.com, to address customer questions.

(By Ross Kerber and Jenn Abelson, Globe staff)