The best rule to follow is to get the all the information you can and
DO NOT GIVE or verify information if asked. Criminals often use this approach
to obtain information. Callers that ask for answers to personal questions,
such as social security numbers, date of birth or your mother’s
maiden name should alert the victim that this may not be a valid inquiry
concerning a questionable transaction.
A reputable company will only attempt to alert you that the card is
being used and will want to know if the purchase is valid or not.
They will often ask the last four digits of the card being used. No
more information should be needed by the company alerting you of the
attempted theft.
You should get the caller’s name, company, phone numbers given
(also log the number on your caller ID if available) and the location
where the card is being used. Any name used in connection with the
transaction will also be useful. This will start a phone log that you
can add to.
Document all calls that you make or receive concerning this incident.
Names, direct phone numbers or extensions of those you speak with
assist you should problems arise later. If you do not have names and
direct
numbers, you will find that you will have to repeat your story multiple
times to resolve your problem. This strategy alone will save you countless
hours of being transferred or being placed on hold while your case
is being reviewed by those unfamiliar with your problem.
Immediately after the call informing you of the unauthorized use or
your cards, notify the issuing bank or credit card company of the
event. Do not be alarmed if you reach an automated response that will
not allow you to alert them that you card is stolen. Some companies
will inform you that you must call them during regular business hours
and that you will not be responsible for any unauthorized charges.
After notifying the above concerning the unauthorized use, notify the
local police department immediately. Report the theft or unauthorized
use and obtain a police report number. In many cases, this report
number will be required before any unauthorized charges can be removed
from your account. This will also give proof of time and date of your
notification to police.
As soon as possible, the victim should notify the credit reporting agencies
to report fraudulent use of their accounts. This will also help you
should the need arise. It is much easier to alert them before the
fraudulent charges show up as unpaid debts than to try and convince
them later that the charges are not valid debts.
Many banks offer literature concerning ID theft that will be of great
benefit to their customers. If this information is available, obtain
a copy and place it along with your credit card photocopies.
