How do I Report Possible Credit Card Fraud?
- 1). Make a list of the reasons you suspect credit card fraud. For example, if you notice unusual activity on your account when you review your statement, record all suspicious transactions and information about them, such as the amount, name and phone number of the company.
- 2). Call your credit card company's fraud department. The number should be listed on the back of the card. Otherwise, call the customer-service telephone number and ask to be connected to someone who takes fraud reports.
- 3). Tell the credit card company why you believe you believe you are a fraud victim. The customer-service agent will help you evaluate the situation and close the account if necessary to prevents more fraudulent charges. You will receive a new card with a new account number.
- 4). Call one of the three credit bureaus at the fraud telephone number on its website (see Resources) and request a fraud alert. TransUnion, Experian and Equifax work cooperatively, so the bureau you contact will tell the other two about your call and ask them to issue alerts. The alert lasts for 90 days, according to the Washington State attorney general's office.
- 5). Contact your local police department and ask if it takes credit card fraud reports. You may have to contact the county or state police if your home town department will not help you, the Federal Trade Commission advises. You must get an official report because it is required to extend the fraud alerts on your credit cards.
- 6). Ask the three credit bureaus to extend your fraud alert beyond the initial 90-day period. They will require a copy of a police report to do so. The Washington State attorney general's office explains that the extension lasts for seven years.
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