TIPS What to Do When Your Credit Card
and/or Identity is Stolen
Deb Schroeder, Extension Educator
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
Immediately notify the credit card companies when cards are lost or misplaced. If you report the loss of a credit card to the issuer before it is used by someone else, you owe nothing. But if charges are run up before you report the card stolen, you are liable for $50. In reality, many issuers often waive that fee. If you still have your card but the account number was used without your authorization, you owe nothing.
In cases involving identity thefts, you must send the information in writing. Let them know that you are willing to cooperate with them to re-claim their loss. Be clear that you are not responsible for the charges in question and someone else used your card to steal. Keep copies of all your correspondence and document telephone calls you make.
Any other creditors affected by the theft of your identity should be notified immediately in writing. Contact your local police department, county sheriff or State Patrol office to report the theft. Nebraska State Patrol number is (402) 471-4545.
Immediately call the three national credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. You should follow up any verbal communications with a letter explaining your situation. The toll free contact numbers and addresses of the major credit reporting agencies are:
Transunion, PO Box 2000, Chester PA 19022 (800) 916-8800 www.transunion.com
Equifax, PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374- 0241 (800) 525-6285 www.equifax.net
If you suspect that someone is using your Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration office at (800) 269-0271 to make them aware someone is using your number and may attempt to access your account.
Students should report any problems they have with student identification cards. Since many campuses recognize student ID as credit cards, report it missing and/or stolen to campus security and visit the office that issues student identification as soon as possible. Ask them to replace the missing ID and nullify the previous one.
Summer is a good time to educate your family about credit card and identity theft. Families take vacations, children travel to visit friends and grandparents, school children and 4-H youth take tours. The potential for credit card theft is great. So take some time this week to talk to your family about credit card safety and about protecting your identity.
