What To Do When Credit Cards Are Stolen or Lost
Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:39PM EDT
See Comments (77)
I lost my purse one night this week after my daughter's basketball game an hour from our home. By the time I tracked it down to a chain coffee shop, one of my credit cards had already been used a few times along the northeast corridor from New Jersey to Massachusetts.
The good news is my purse and all the other contents of my wallet are back in my hands. The bad news is I've spent lots of time doing damage control on my credit status, hoping a few full tanks of gas is the least someone will try to steal in my name.
I'm sharing this to pass on some tips about what to do if a credit card is lost or stolen and you're worried your credit may be compromised.
• Call to report the card missing. When I called my card's 800 customer service number, I found out about the gas station charges that were not made by me or my husband. So I closed the account and requested a new card. Then I immediately canceled the other credit card in my wallet, and my ATM card.
• Find out what you need to do to dispute fraudulent charges so you are not responsible for them. Review your next bill very carefully. My card company is sending me a letter outlining the disputed charges, and if I concur they are all listed, I'll sign it and send it back.
• Place a temporary, 90-day alert on your credit report to thwart thieves from opening accounts with your credit history. You can place the alert through any of the three major reporting bureaus, Experian, Eqiufax, or Transunion. Whichever one you choose will notify the other two of the alert status.
• Review your credit report. When you place a temporary alert on your credit report, you can view your credit report for free right away. This is a good time to remind you that we should be checking our credit reports with all three credit bureaus at least once every year. Each allows free reviews once every 12 months. Check out Chris Null's cautionary tale about what happened when he did his regularly scheduled credit check. You can request reports from all three bureaus on one web site, AnnualCreditReport.com. Check back to see if there is any suspicious activity, such as accounts opened that you didn't open, if you have a missing or stolen card.
I also canceled my ATM card even though there had been no activity on my bank account. The new one that I'll get will have my photo on it, a deterrent to any thieves who may pass off a debit card as their own.
That's my after-the-sad-tale advice. But here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Action, a consumer education and advocacy group based in San Francisco, for how to protect your cards and credit in case of theft.
• Carry only the cards you anticipate you'll need to use.
• Don't carry PIN numbers for your ATM or credit cards in your wallet or purse. Seems like a no-brainer, but you never know. Don't use birth dates, addresses, Social Security numbers, or phone numbers as your pin numbers. By the way, don't carry your Social Security number in your wallet or purse, either.
• Keep a record of your card numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers of each card company in a safe place (say, not in your wallet or purse) so you can report a theft quickly.
Related:
Top 5 Posts
More About Miscellaneous
Comments on What To Do When Credit Cards Are Stolen or Lost
Post a Comment
Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.
-
27 Posted by michele_herrmann@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:18PM EDT Report Abuse
I think I will use cash more often. I've also heard to be vary of using the debit card as payments at places - my friend had someone hack into her checking account and it is most likely the suspect had accessed her debit card - since they are connected to checking accounts - and took $2,400 from it over time. Places she shopped at where she used her debit card were Walmart and Stop & Shop.
-
28 Posted by wilkei@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:46PM EDT Report Abuse
Better to to empty your wallet and copy front & back of all cards. Store in a safe place for reference. Keith
-
29 Posted by specialk8705@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:35PM EDT Report Abuse
While writing "See ID" on the back of your cards may help, it's a pain when you go over sea's. I've been in England for 3 months now and had to have credit cards re-issued to me because every credit or debit card used over here must be signed and they verify your signature. Maybe this is a trend that the US needs to catch onto...
-
30 Posted by cerroni@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:21PM EDT Report Abuse
Don't carry your SS# in your wallet, duh! Well, that's real fine for some people, but if one has Medicare, the SS# is totally spelled out in plain view for anyone to see, and that card is one that has to be carried in case there is an incident when medical attention is required. I don't know why the # isn't encoded in some way, 'cause it's open season for identity theft! And what about our driver's license.. that needs to be carried when driving and/or for identification, too. We can take precautions, but we are still at risk!
-
31 Posted by j_isley@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:45PM EDT Report Abuse
3 years after having my purse stolen in Michigan -= with my entire life history in it - was I surprised to receive a call from Verizon about my $4000 past due acct - this was followed by several more years of episodes - each time I contacted the local sherriff - the credit card companies, the Federal Trade Commission and a 3 credit services - to this day the credit service companies call me if they receive an app in my name - it have a huge file with all the records on these identiy theft events - it took many hours of my time and worry - but was able to settle it all myself without any monetary outlay to companies who do this for you - do run an annual credit report
-
32 Posted by riverboytelecom on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:42PM EDT Report Abuse
There is quite dangerous to use the credit cards: Some companies in Cambodia practise credit card moto form to charge their clients from using the services. And there is no any problem since the bank charges only the authorized amount, they don't ask for the front and back of the credit card, but the authorized letter: Here is their website : 1. General information : http://www.toursimindochina.com 2. Hotels information : http://www.tourismindochina.com/subpage.php?subject=hotels-cambodia-siemreap.htm 3. Flight information : http://www.tourismindochina.com/cambodia-flyinfo.php Brgds, Riverboy
-
33 Posted by rubenkiam@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:55PM EDT Report Abuse
to the person who said "the most important part if your credit card is lost or stolen be sure to cut it up" If it is lost or stolen how do you presume we could cut it up? I work for one of the largest credit card co. in the world. and the best thing to do is call as soon as you know about the card being out of your hands, Even if it is for 2 min. then putting a fraud block on your CBR. for at least 6 mo. these people will expect you to do it for 90 days. When you are traveling take the copies of the cards with you just in case.
-
34 Posted by rubenkiam@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:55PM EDT Report Abuse
one more thing make sure that if you dispute alot of charges, they can reflect poorly on your credit report.
-
35 Posted by mrhmn837@verizon.net on Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:20PM EDT Report Abuse
but question is that the gas stations not except the credit card with out id and one more good news you have to put your zip code to fill yur car you cant use any body credit card no more thank you very much for this good information
-
36 Posted by debralord@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:40PM EDT Report Abuse
Cancelling a credit card & having the company issue another one will not necessarily stop the fraudulent charge from following on to the next card. I had this happen to me - I was even told by the customer service rep at the credit card company that cancelling the card would, indeed, the fraudulent charge. When the charge showed up on the new account - the superviser told me, "Sorry, the representative should not have told you that". "Sorry", is the only service that I got. THE SALE IS ALL THEY ARE INTERESTED IN ! THEY ARE JUST HOPING THAT YOU'LL MISS IT. OR, IF YOU DO NOTICE, THE SMALLER AMOUNTS WON'T BE WORTH YOUR TIME TO HAVE IT REMOVED.
-
37 Posted by corduroyoc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:29PM EDT Report Abuse
I work in retail for a large national music store chain (spelled with 3 letters). We are required to ask for ID, when the card isnt signed or says "CID". Also we verify each signature whether the card is signe dor isnt against the signature (either card, or DL). As a manager my staff knows and follows the policy. I would love it if customers would ask at other retailers why they dont do this? All day, everyday, we hear customers say, "im glad you asked no one else does or No one else in the mall does". As a consumer my card says CID and I always have my ID ready. However as a retailer even those who have CID on their card, often dont have it out or ready. Im also perplexed by people who carry a credit card of ATM card, but when we ask for ID they dont have their DL on them? I wonder how they drove to the mall. One final thing, a husband or wife can not use the other persons card, only the cardholder (name on the card, the actual account holder)can use the card, according to credit card companies and services I have spoken with (believe me customers will argue until you call the 800 # on the card, and they get told the same thing on the phone by their card company cust. serv. rep.). Also kids cant use their parents cards (i laugh every time some kid says you can call my mom...because if we ever did, it would be somee kids friend pretending to be the mom or dad). The more you as a consumer ask why the merchant didnt ask for ID, the more they may start catching on and be afraid to lose you as a customer.
-
38 Posted by chikafu@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:23PM EDT Report Abuse
Cancelling your credit card or debt card will not help. You have to close the account. My bank closed my checking account because some gaming company kept withdrawing large amounts even though they had issued a new card. Now I do not carry any debt card or credit card. I was so tired of disputing charges that now I am using only cash. The banks do not care about these crooks who are making our lives a living heck If you shop online, make sure you check your bank statements and your credit card charges every month. I am doing a total money makeover and cash is king and I hope to pay off all my credit cards by february 2008.
-
39 Posted by lovechild86ss1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:57PM EDT Report Abuse
A good way to protect yourselves is to use cash when you dine out. Even though I doubt that ALL servers will steal your credit card #, you just never know, and when you put your card in the folder and the servers take it away to charge you, theres no telling what they are doing with your card. Better to be safe than sorry.
-
40 Posted by stratcat51@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:45PM EDT Report Abuse
I work as a clerk for the Postal Service. We cannot accept a credit card unles it is signed by the bearer. "See ID" or CID is not enough. It must be signed. Even if your picture is on the card, it still must be signed. No, you can't use your spouses' card or your parent's card. It must be your card and it must be signed. This makes some people mad because they have been told by someone NOT to sign it and it will be safer. That is a myth that has been passed around for so long even some people that work in the industry and should know better believe it. The banking industry requires the Postal Service to use this policy. Look at the back of your credit cards; they say "Not valid unless signed". I believe a PIN should be used along with a signature when using a credit card.
-
41 Posted by littlerascal711 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:54PM EDT Report Abuse
I have See Phone ID on my ATM. I have been asked for Id less than 5 to,es and then my Brotherlaw that works for the postal service advised me that I would not be able to use the card at the postal service. I asked the bank what I could do and they could not suggest anything other than offer the Photo ID when you make a purchase.Rthen yestday I was at the grocery store picking only a fe things up abd did not even have to sign for the purchase as it was under $25.00. Its a theif's paradise. I have gone to carring my ATM on my person and not on my purse in places like discount superstores etc. IN a little coin purse with my ID never use a crrdit card anymore. and dont buy on line. That reduces some exposure. But more and more places with monthly $ due want you to pay via electronic payment and I am just tnot really "hot" on that/ I may be living in the 1980's yet but sometimes I feel My money is safer. I don't think that a credit report once a year helps. We need to get some legislation in our favor.
-
42 Posted by jagoneagain on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:27PM EDT Report Abuse
Really hard not to have your S.S. number in your purse or pocket when that is your medicare number..What to do?
-
43 Posted by conbran2002 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:28PM EDT Report Abuse
Ummm, cash is king, but credit cards are still a necessity of life. Treat your cards like they are cash. Would you leave $5000 sitting in your wallet while you walked into walmart to grab a jug of milk? Take only what you need with you in cash, when you do use your card, ask for the original copy (not carbon copy) of the sales receipt, write the amount, date and location in an extra cheque book to track transactions. We are all guilty of passing the blame onto someone else. Clerks behind the cash register don't care if you have id. If you were responsible for the usage of a stolen credit card, would you take better care to ensure that it never did get lost or stolen? I think so. People nowadays are so busy to care.
-
44 Posted by loora@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:56PM EDT Report Abuse
I only keep one major credit card in my purse. I ise store credit cards sparingly and take it with me only when I plan to shop there. I was told that when shopping online or by phone, that you can request from your credit card company a single use number and specify an amount for that online or phone purchase.
-
45 Posted by garyrh12@prodigy.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:06PM EDT Report Abuse
Do not carry your social security card with you, but your medicare card has your social security number on it and the government say to carry it with you at all times. Another great idea from our government.
Sponsored Links
My Tech
Please enable your browser's cookies to activate the My Tech column.
Also on Yahoo! Tech
| Computers | Home Office | Wi-Fi & Networking | Phones & PDAs | Cameras & Camcorders | TV & Home Theater | Portable Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
26 Posted by l.a.sikora@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:55PM EDT Report Abuse
I've read and read your comments about card when the solution is above us it's in policy. The new policy due to ID theft should be ID required or PIN with all credit or debit transactions. Simple. If this is a policy adopted by card companies and retailers then you decrease ID theft. Some gas pumps require the zip code of the mailing address corresponding to the card's owner this should be universal. (The exception is a stolen wallet you id with zip might be there) but a deterrent nevertheless. If businesses adopt these policies and accept liabilty if these policies weren't followed in a case in which theft could have been prevented if they did I guarantee this sort of ID theft would decrease. The internet I have yet to figure that one out but over the counter reatail is just plain common sense. I say we as consumers start making a fuss with some of the retailers and credit card companies until something is done.