Mary Grace McCormick, Credit Writer
@mg_mccormick
If someone opened a credit card in your name, contact the credit card's issuer and inform them of the situation. They will be able to close the fraudulent account in a timely manner once you verify your identity. But don't stop there. You may be a victim of identity theft, so there are a few additional steps that you should make sure to take.
What to Do if Someone Opened a Credit Card in Your Name
- Contact the issuer:
Contact the card's issuer immediately to inform them the account is fraudulent. - Dispute credit report inaccuracies:
Review your credit reports and dispute any inaccuracies you may find. - Set up a fraud alert:
Place a fraud alert on one of your credit reports. A fraud alert can potentially make it harder for thieves to open accounts in your name. You only need to contact one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion or Experian) to place a fraud alert. That bureau will then inform the other two of the request.
A fraud alert lasts for one year. During that time, businesses must verify your identity before opening a new loan or line of credit. You can request a new fraud alert after one year. - Freeze your credit:
Request a credit freeze on all your major credit reports. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, which makes it nearly impossible for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. To request or remove a credit freeze, you must contact the three major credit bureaus separately.
You can also find tips on how to protect yourself against identity theft, as well as a list of the relevant authorities you should inform, in our Identity Theft guide.
People also ask
What do identity thieves do with your information?
Identity thieves could use your information to apply for a credit card or loan in your name, change the address or other personal details on your financial accounts, withdraw funds from your bank, or use your identity in the event of an arrest or other legal matters. They essentially pretend to be you and commit fraud in your name.
The Federal Trade Commission received 1.1 million identity theft complaints in 2022 – the most...
read full answer by Lauren Smith, WalletHub Staff WriterHow do I find out if someone opened a credit card in my name?
You can find out if someone opened a credit card in your name by getting a copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You’ll be able to see all of the credit cards opened in your name on those reports. It’s important to check all three reports for fraudulent accounts, as each report might contain different information. Not all creditors report to all three bureaus, nor do they...
read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyWhat are the effects of identity theft?
The effects of identity theft include financial losses and emotional duress because fraudsters can commit various crimes like opening new credit lines, withdrawing money from your bank accounts, or taking over your email or social media. You may also face an expensive, time-consuming recovery process.
Common Effects of Identity Theft
- Financial Losses – Victims of identity theft may experience severe financial losses. Fraudsters can create duplicate credit cards or open credit card...
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