| If
you find unfamiliar charges on your credit card bill or discover
signs of unusual activity through act immediately to limit damages.
Contact the card issuer and tell them about the fraudulent charges.
You'll probably be liable for only $50 of the fraudulent charges,
but different issuers have different policies; ask for a full
explanation. Most creditors will promptly issue replacement
cards with new account numbers.
Keep
track of your efforts
Ask to receive a document verifying that you're not responsible
for the charges. Keep a record of all relevant phone calls
you make, including the date, the name of the person you spoke
with, and that person's department. Follow up each phone call
with a letter describing the relevant facts, and keep a copy
for yourself.
Get
a copy of your credit report to check for other fraudulent
activity. Call the fraud division of all three credit bureaus
and have them put a fraud alert on your file:
Equifax:
800/525-6285
Experian: 888/397-3742
Trans Union: 800/680-7289
Protect
yourself with a fraud alert
The thief who has used your credit card may try to get your
credit report in order to use other accounts of yours or to
open new accounts in your name. A fraud alert will prevent
new credit accounts from being opened without your express
permission.
If
the fraud was perpetrated as part of a business scam, contact
the National Fraud Information Center: 800/876-7060.
Get
a free credit report today and make sure nobody else is
using your credit!
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