How to Report Credit Card Fraud

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Pin ItArticle EditDiscussSomeone else using your credit card number or your identity to open a credit card account without your consent is considered fraud. If you suspect that you're a victim of this, it's crucial to report credit card fraud immediately to protect your financial well-being and limit your liability.

Note: This article depicts the manner of reporting card fraud in the USA. Similar approaches would be appropriate elsewhere but you'll need to identify the appropriate authorities to contact to cancel the card.

Edit Steps1File an identity theft report with your local police department. While your first instinct may be to call the credit card company, the representative will likely ask you file a police report or provide a copy of one, so take care of this step ahead of time.If your local police department refers you to state law enforcement, the FBI or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), continue the reporting process with that agency.Give as much detail in your report as possible, including your credit card account number, dates and transaction details (where available) of fraudulent charges.The FTC recommends filing your report in person so you can provide supporting documentation, such as copies of credit card statements, debt collection letters, credit reports, a copy of your identification, a copy of a credit application with a signature that does not match yours and any other documentation to back up your claim.Complete the FTC's online ID Theft Complaint Form. This is found at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/filing-a-report.html. Ask to have it incorporated into the police report. This is particularly important if you can't provide supporting documentation in person.2Call the credit card issuer upon realizing that someone is committing credit card fraud against you and possibly cancel the card. Typically, the telephone number is available on the back of your card, if you have access to it. If not, you can access the contact information for the fraud department on the issuer's website or on statements.3Find out what your maximum liability will be for the fraudulent charges in your particular situation and according to the terms of the credit card.Under federal law, if you're unable to report a lost or stolen credit card before someone uses it, your maximum liability for fraudulent charges is $50.Additionally, if someone uses your identity to create a credit card account without your authorization and you report it as identity theft or fraud, with documentation to prove your claim, then the credit card company cannot hold you responsible for the fraudulent charges.4Take notes regarding all verbal correspondence with the credit card company. This includes noting the date, who you spoke to, telephone numbers/extensions and what information you exchanged. Be sure that you fully understand the reporting and investigation process and maintain contact with the credit card company for periodic updates on the matter.5Compose a letter to the credit card issuer. This follow-up to your telephone call provides written documentation to back up your report of credit card fraud.Include the date you initially reported the fraud to the credit card company over the phone.Attach copies of the police report, the complaint form from the FTC website and all other documentation substantiating your claim.Mail the letter to the credit card company's "billing errors" address.6Request a written statement from the card issuer at the end of its investigation into credit card fraud on your account. Ask that this statement outlines the process and conclusions, in order to protect your interests if problems arise in the future.7File a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus. This initial 90-day alert prevents the individual who is fraudulently using your identity and/or credit card information from negatively affecting your credit score. A fraud alert notifies potential creditors that they should verify your identification before approving credit.Complete Experian's online document at https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html or call (888) 397-3742.File online with Equifax at http://www.equifax.com/answers/set-fraud-alerts/en_cp. or call (800) 525-6285.File online with TransUnion at http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/fraudIdentityTheft/fraudPrevention/fraudAlert.page or call (800) 680-7289.

Edit TipsObtain a credit report 6 months after you report the credit card fraud to make sure no additional fraudulent circumstances occur under your name.If you are unable to get a law enforcement officer to file a police report, the FTC recommends sending their Law Enforcement Cover Letter to explain the importance and necessity of a police report. You can find the letter on the FTC website.[1]

Edit WarningsDon't actually report Credit Card Fraud, it will lead to the Bank becoming suspicious of you and you may get arrested for it yourself!

Edit Related wikiHowsHow to Prevent Credit Card FraudHow to Detect a Fraudulent Credit Card ChargeHow to Reclaim Credit Card ChargesHow to Put a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report

Edit Sources and Citationshttps://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html – research sourcehttp://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre04.shtm – research sourcehttp://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre07.shtm – research sourcehttp://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html – research sourcehttp://www.secretservice.gov/faq.shtml#faq11 – research source? http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/downloads/memorandum.pdf.Article Info Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Credit and Debit Cards

Recent edits by: June, COCOAPRINCESS, Uncle ld

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