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Report any suspicious activity
as soon as you notice it...
The best way to check up on your credit history is to order a credit
history report from one or all of the three credit history reporting
agencies: Trans Union, Experian, and Equifax. If you notice any
suspicious account activity, notify the credit-reporting agency
immediately.
If you do fall victim of credit card fraud, the Fair Credit Billing Act
protects you from having to pay for unauthorized charges, though you are
liable for up to $50 for each card.
If you discover a fraudulent charge on your credit card, or if an
unauthorized credit card has been opened under your name, write a letter
to the credit card’s address for billing inquiries. Be sure to include
your name and address, as well as the account number on the credit card
and a description of the unauthorized activity. This needs to include
both the amount of the charge and the date of the activity. Be sure to
send the letter by certified mail.
The letter must reach the credit card company within 60 days after you
receive the bill with the fraudulent charge. If an identity thief has
redirected your mail and created a fictitious account, you still must
dispute the charges within 60 days of when you would have received the
bill. This is another reason why keeping track of your credit card
billing cycle is so important.
Being the victim of identity theft can be devastating. Be sure to be
responsible with your credit card and your personal information to avoid
the heartache of becoming a victim.
Terms &
Disclaimers
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