As a result of having been a victim of credit card fraud three times, I've figured out some tips on how best to deal with it. This article is about what the first and most important step is. The first step is most important because it's time sensitive and delay results in more damage to you.
You will find out you have been a victim by either a phone call from a vendor to verify a purchase, by looking at your credit report and or by U.S. Mail in the form of a letter to thank you for opening up a new account.
First you will be in shock as the fact that someone is using your name and information to make credit card charges and or open up new accounts all over the country, settles in.
Next, you will be scared as you begin to grasp the fact that they could charge up to tens of thousands of dollars in your name. You may even panic a little, as I did, at the thought of having to pay that kind of money back for something you did not charge.
Within a few minutes you will begin calming down enough to think more clearly. Once that happens, here is what you need to do: Call and put a Fraud Alert on your credit bureau accounts.
They all have 800 numbers that you can call 24/7 year round. Here are the numbers:
> Equifax 1(800) 525-6285
> Experian 1(888) 397-3742
> TransUnion 1(800) 680-7289
Putting a Fraud Alert on your credit bureau accounts first, is really important because it helps you limit further damage. These criminals will use your information until it no longer works. Also, they will do it quickly. So, fast action can make a big difference.
Okay, in summary, as soon as you find out you have been a victim the first thing you should do is call the numbers listed above and put a Fraud Alert on all of your accounts. Please note, each of the credit bureaus you call will tell you that you don't have to call the other two because they will do it for you. They will, but it make take weeks. You need to call all three yourself, and right away.
You will find out you have been a victim by either a phone call from a vendor to verify a purchase, by looking at your credit report and or by U.S. Mail in the form of a letter to thank you for opening up a new account.
First you will be in shock as the fact that someone is using your name and information to make credit card charges and or open up new accounts all over the country, settles in.
Next, you will be scared as you begin to grasp the fact that they could charge up to tens of thousands of dollars in your name. You may even panic a little, as I did, at the thought of having to pay that kind of money back for something you did not charge.
Within a few minutes you will begin calming down enough to think more clearly. Once that happens, here is what you need to do: Call and put a Fraud Alert on your credit bureau accounts.
They all have 800 numbers that you can call 24/7 year round. Here are the numbers:
> Equifax 1(800) 525-6285
> Experian 1(888) 397-3742
> TransUnion 1(800) 680-7289
Putting a Fraud Alert on your credit bureau accounts first, is really important because it helps you limit further damage. These criminals will use your information until it no longer works. Also, they will do it quickly. So, fast action can make a big difference.
Okay, in summary, as soon as you find out you have been a victim the first thing you should do is call the numbers listed above and put a Fraud Alert on all of your accounts. Please note, each of the credit bureaus you call will tell you that you don't have to call the other two because they will do it for you. They will, but it make take weeks. You need to call all three yourself, and right away.
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