Four Steps for Reporting Credit Card Fraud

1. Contact creditors and banks. Contact each organization that issued the affected accounts and request they each be tagged with a fraud alert. Call first, asking to speak with someone in the security or fraud department. Get the name of the person who assists you and then follow up in writing to confirm your request.
2. Order a copy of your credit report. One of most the damaging things identity thieves can do is ruin your credit rating, which could prevent you from being granted a home or car loan, or even jeopardize a job opportunity. Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies. Check each report for accuracy and immediately report discrepancies that need to be resolved. These agencies are: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289.
3. File a police report. File a police report in the city that the crime occurred. Get a copy of the report, or at least the report case number, in case you need to prove you were a victim to your creditors.
4. Call the Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft hotline. Reporting the crime to the FTC helps investigators throughout the United States. The FTC is also a valuable resource in advising you on protection from future occurrences. Call: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338).