Bankers' group to sue TJX over data breach

The Massachusetts Bankers Association today said it plans to sue TJX Cos. over a data breach reported by the Framingham retailing giant that compromised the data from more than 45 million credit and debit cards.

In a news release, the association said it will seek tens of millions of dollars in damages. It will be joined by sister trade groups in Connecticut and Maine, and by various individual banks.

Together the trade groups represent nearly 300 banks, they said.

The trade group said it plans to seek class-action status for its suit, to be filed in federal court in Boston.

TJX already faces similar claims from other parties.

The bankers association said it continues to receive lists of cards compromised by the breach, which TJX publicly disclosed in January, but can’t yet estimate total damages.
(By Ross Kerber, Globe staff)