Local shoppers at TJ Maxx and Marshalls were upset to find out the company that owns those stores is dealing a breach in security.

In 2003, hackers took information from more than 45 million credit and debit cards transactions.

There's also a chance shoppers who returned merchandise to those stores without a receipt could have had personal information stolen.

"It's definitely scary that all of your information can just be taken," said customer Tracy Hale. 

TJX Companies, which owns more than 2,000 TJ Maxx, Marshall and A.J. Wright stores doesn't know how many shoppers might actually be at risk.

But, the first order of business for those concerned is to get a copy of your credit report. Equidata, is a credit bureau service in Newport News.  

“If they find out that some suspicious activity is going on they can put a fraud alert on their file," said Susan Moran of Equidata.

Equidata also offers credit monitoring.

"They can be notified daily or monthly if something has happened, address changes which is particularly an identity theft kind of thing," said Moran.

Susan Moran says those who like the convenience cards shouldn't be afraid of using them. But, it’s a good idea to check you credit history at least once a year.

"You go to the doctor once a year. You should do the same with your credit," said Moran.