Having your credit card or credit card number stolen can be terrifying, but taking quick action can protect your credit and your finances from harm. You can protect your card information by keeping your card in a safe place and not keeping written records of PIN numbers and transaction information with your card. Sometimes, though, the worst happens and your card is stolen. Although it's not a situation most people want to find themselves in, knowing how to report a stolen credit card is an important part of responsibly managing your finances.
Step 1
Call the company that issued the credit card to report immediately that your card has been stolen. The customer service number is on your credit card statement.
Step 2
Tell the customer service representative that you need to report a stolen credit card. Be sure to have your account number handy, and let the representative know the date you noticed your credit card missing.
Step 3
Write a letter as a follow-up to your phone conversation. Include your account number, the date you noticed your card missing and the date you reported the missing card over the phone.
Step 4
Mail the letter to the address on your credit card statement listed for billing inquiries. Do not send it to the address used for making payments.
Step 5
Review future credit card statements carefully, and note any unauthorized activity. Notify your credit card issuer of suspect activity in writing, including your account number, the date your credit card went missing and the date you reported the credit card's loss to the company.
Tips and Warnings
- As long as you notify the credit card agency that your card has been stolen, you can't be held liable for purchases made with a stolen credit card. If the thief has made charges with your card before you reported the card stolen, you can't be held liable for more than $50 of the charges made, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Be sure to contact your police department if your stolen credit card was part of a theft, wallet- or purse-snatching.
- Check your credit report periodically to make sure items related to your stolen card don't appear on your report. If they do, notify the reporting agency in writing of the theft of your card and ask to have the item removed from your credit report.
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