October 26, 2007, Newsletter Issue #23: Send a Dispute Letter for Reporting Credit Card Fraud

Tip of the Week

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the Fair Credit Billing Act established procedures for resolving billing errors, including fraudulent charges, on your credit card accounts. The best method for reporting credit card fraud on your accounts is to send a dispute letter detailing the erroneous information. Write to the creditor using the address given for “billing inquiries” and not the payment address. Include your name, address, account number and a description of the fraudulent information, including the date of the charge and amount. Below is a sample dispute letter for your reference:



Date


Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Account Number



Name of Creditor
Attn: Billing Inquiries
Address (use the address specified for billing inquires)
City, State, Zip Code



Dear Sir or Madam:



I am a victim of identity theft. I am writing to dispute charges on my account that I did not make or authorize. The fraudulent items and charge amounts are as follows:



(List each item and amount separately)



I am requesting that the charge be removed, and any finance and other charges related to the fraudulent amount be credited, as well. I am also requesting that you send a statement that reflects the corrections made.



Enclosed are copies of (a police report, Identity Theft Affidavit or any other reporting documents to prove you are a victim of identity theft) supporting my position. Please conduct your investigation and correct the fraudulent charge(s) as soon as possible. Please contact me if you have questions or require additional information.



Sincerely,

Your signature



Enclosures: (List the items being enclosed)



Send your letter using certified with a return receipt requested as proof of delivery date and receipt by the creditor. Your letter must reach the creditor within 60 days after the first bill containing the fraudulent charges was mailed to you.



For additional information regarding creditor responsibilities to respond to you, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.

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