If you have an online account, you’ll only need to log into the website. If you call customer service, you’ll need to provide your account number along with identifying information, such as your Social Security number. You can reach Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit https://www. chase. com. Call Capital One at 1-877-383-4802 or go to https://www. capitalone. com. Call American Express at 1-800-528-4800 or visit https://www. americanexpress. com. If you have another creditor, look online to find their customer service line.
Thieves often make a tiny purchase to see if you’ll notice before making large charges.
If you have an online account, simply log into your creditor’s website. If you call customer service, provide your account number and identifying information.
If you report your lost card before any fraudulent charges are made, you won’t be liable for any losses. If you report it within 2 business days, you’ll only be liable for $50 (USD) if fraudulent charges were made before you turned off the card. If you wait longer than 2 business days and fraudulent charges are made, your maximum loss could be $500.
If you call customer service, write down the name of the person who helps you. Keep their name and the date you called in your records.
If an automatic updater service makes you uncomfortable, ask the customer service representative if you can disable it. If your creditor doesn’t update merchants automatically, you’ll have to update your recurring payments before your bills are due. Call utility providers and other companies that charge recurring payments or log into your accounts on their websites to update your billing information.
For example, you might write, “I am writing to dispute a fraudulent charge on my account in the amount of $98. 24 dated 1/2/2018 at 3:15 p. m. I reported this card as lost or stolen via telephone at 4 p. m. on 1/2/2018, and spoke to Jane Doe. I did not make this charge, and am requesting that it be removed, that my account be credited, and that I receive a corrected statement. " Following up with a written letter provides a paper trail. Suppose your lost card isn’t deactivated when you requested and a thief makes fraudulent charges. You’ll have proof that you fulfilled your responsibilities and shouldn’t be liable for those charges.
Some companies expedite replacement cards automatically, so you might receive it within 2 days. If not, you might have to pay up to $30 for overnight or priority shipping.
Creditors are legally required to share their findings with you. While many cases of credit card fraud are beyond your control, the information could help you lower your risk in the future.
If you freeze your credit and someone opens a new line of credit in your name, you’ll be legally protected from any financial liability. A credit lock doesn’t offer this same legal protection. Furthermore, a lock contract with the reporting company could include undesirable terms. For example, a credit lock agreement could prohibit you from participating in a class action lawsuit if something goes wrong. Freezes do not involve a contractual agreement, and the reporting bureau would be liable for any losses. Note that credit freezes and locks do not affect your credit score.
Call Equifax at 1-800-349-9960 or visit https://www. freeze. equifax. com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo. jsp. Call Experian at 1‑888‑397‑3742 or visit https://www. experian. com/freeze/center. html. Call TransUnion at 1-888-909-8872 or visit https://www. transunion. com/credit-freeze.
If you’re the victim of identity theft, include a police report with the letter you send to the reporting companies. A written letter will provide proof that you requested a freeze on a certain date. If something goes wrong, such as someone opening a line of credit in your name, it’s helpful to have documentation that you exercised due diligence. You’ll be able to prove that you shouldn’t be liable for fraudulent charges because the reporting bureau failed to execute your freeze request.
If you’ll frequently be applying for lines of credit, leases, and jobs, you might want to lift your security freezes permanently instead of paying fees to temporarily thaw them every few months. Ask a new creditor, leasing company, or potential employer which reporting company they’ll use to check your credit. That way, you can lift the freeze with that company alone instead of having to pay fees to have all 3 lift your freeze. Follow the instructions in the confirmation letters to lift the freeze. You’ll call the reporting company or go online, provide your personal information and PIN, and specify the dates you want the freeze thawed.
