Fraudulent activity on a credit card includes any charges on your account that weren't authorized by you or another person listed on your account. Credit card fraud can occur if your card or your card number is lost or stolen. According to federal law, you are only responsible for up to $50 worth of unauthorized charges on your credit card as long as you promptly report the charges to the issuing agency.
Step 1
Review your credit card statements diligently for fraudulent activity. Fraudulent activity can occur even if you have your credit card in your possession. Should you notice any unauthorized charges, report them immediately to the issuing company.
Step 2
Contact your credit card issuing company as soon as you realize your card or number has been stolen. You can also do this if your card is lost. Check your most recent billing statement for the phone number to call in case of emergency.
Step 3
Cancel the affected card while you are on the phone with the credit card issuing company. Your credit card issuer should send you a replacement card with a new number. It may take up to two weeks to get the new card.
Step 4
Keep a detailed record of all contact you have with the issuing agency. Get the representative's name and ID number when you make the report. Additionally, write down any instructions or information he gives you during the call, such as a case number.
Step 5
Follow up your phone call with a written statement, which should include your account number, mailing address, telephone number and the person's name on the card that has been compromised. Send this letter via certified mail with delivery confirmation so you have proof it was received. In some cases, you will need to fill out an affidavit that the issuing agency provides.
Step 6
Continue checking your account statement as soon as you receive it. Fraudulent charges can occur more than once.
Member Comments