Having your credit cards stolen from you can be very frustrating. Whether you are across the country or half way around the world, stolen cards can ruin your vacation or business trip. This is especially true if you don't bring cash with you and rely solely on credit cards to make purchase and pay for services. There is also a chance of someone using the card to make purchases. Luckily, there are easy methods you can take to immediately block the use of the stolen cards after the incident.
Step 1
File a police report once you are certain that your card was stolen. The bank which issued your card will require a police report. Let the police department know where you think it was stolen and wait for them to give you a copy of the report.
Step 2
Access your credit card account online and locate the number for lost and stolen cards. If you can't find this number, look for a customer service number.
Step 3
Call the bank who issued your credit card and let them know that it was stolen. Your credit cards will be blocked from use immediately during the call. Inform them that you have already filed a police report. Provide the customer service representative the date your card was stolen and when you filed the police report. Make sure you have your driver's license and social security number at hand when calling. This will help them identify you and process your report faster.
Step 4
Ask the customer service representative if there are any recent activities in your account. If you notice a transaction that you didn't do, let them know so that they can investigate and remove the charges.
Step 5
Write down the name and contact number of the customer service representative you spoke to. Make sure you ask if your credit cards are now blocked from use. Call representative back the next day to verify that the card was indeed blocked so you won't worry.
References
- "50 Ways to Protect Your Identity and Your Credit: Everything You Need to Know About Identity Theft, Credit Cards, Credit Repair, and Credit Reports;" Steve Weisman; 2005
- "The Credit Card Guidebook;" John Oldshue and Bill Hardekopf; 2008
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