I’ve recently gotten 2 credit card bills in my name for cards I never applied for nor do I have. I’m on disability and have filed for bankruptcy a few years previous so I couldn’t get a card if I wanted one. I’m at a loss for what to do since I can’t pay for charges that I didn’t make.

The reason I ask is, I temporarily lost my wallet in the vicinity of my own home. An anonymous neighbor returned it while I wasn’t home … the small amount of cash that was in it was gone, but the cards (including my drivers license and social security card) were still in there. It’s possible that whoever had it for the night wrote down my numbers somewhere … are there any government or credit agencies (aside from my bank who I already notified & cancelled my ATM card) that I should contact?

I had to apply for SSN’s for my babies before we even left the hospital with them. Now with this new crisis of identity theft I have to guard those numbers for the next 18 years. Doesn’t this seem insane that we have to do this? I have their SS cards which they obviously can’t sign yet & I have to keep them guarded until they are old enough to use them. Why can’t they just apply for the SSN themselves when they get of age to work & actually NEED it? That’s what I did.
My babies don’t file an income tax return. I do. Does an official birth certificate not count anymore?

and She stole his Social Security Number to do this. Most of the cards have over ,000 account balances on them . Some, ,000. They have talked to a lawyer but he will not touch the case until there is proven fraud through the statements. The credit card companies have been contacted about the fraud and are supposed to be issuing statements in the mail. This was two months ago and no statements. This is a scary situation. Who can they talk to NOW and put a stop to this 30 credit card account fraud before it’s too late. Thanks

her name. She stole his Social Security Number to do this. Most of the cards have over ,000 account balances on them . Some, ,000. They have talked to a lawyer but he will not touch the case until there is proven fraud through the statements. The credit card companies have been contacted about the fraud and are supposed to be issuing statements in the mail. This was two months ago and no statements. This is a scary situation. Who can they talk to NOW and put a stop to this 30 credit card account fraud before it’s too late. Thanks

How would I go about finding out if there is anyone using my social security # for something other than credit?
For example, all these identify theft companies seem like they will mostly protect against credit fraud. But what if someone wants to get a driver’s license under your name or apply for a job?

I’m very worried because a few months ago a lost my wallett along with my drivers license and insuance cards.

I had an account with wamu. Then someone tried to purchase my car with a fake check. And because of that, they closed my account. Then they made it publicly marked in records to all banks and now no bank will take me because all it says on the statement is fraud. It doesn’t say that I wasen’t the one who didn’t write the check. Also because of this my other bank account with usbank closed and without telling me. So when it was time to pay off my credit card, bill pay was nonfuntioning, and the cards where never paid off. To make matters worse, late fees made it impossible to ever pay it off. How can I get rid of the late fees from the card and just pay off the card considering it wasen’t my fault, and how can I force them legally to restore my credit? Any lawyers wanna represent me? Thanks.
What the fuck are you people talking about? I never deposited the check. like said, they saw that it was fake before it was ever cashed. I said I tried to cash it. Their was never anything deposited into the account. And I ended up selling the car to someone else. why would I sell the car to someone who gave me a fake check?
"Ok, you deposited a faked check."
No I didn’t. I was never deposited.

"So when it did not go though, if you had taken any money out of that account you had to pay the bank back for the bad check."

I didn’t have to pay them back for anything becuase I never recieved any cash from the bank for the check.

"If you did not have the money to pay them back ( money you took from the bank when you took the check, then you can be in legal trouble, since the bank gave you the credit for the check and now you have to pay them back for the money they gave you."

Pay them back for what? I never recieved any money from the check? I said it was a fake check., Meaning the bank never cashed it, or deposited anything into my account. All they did was shut down my account give me all the money that was in it, and put fraud on my credit record, making it impossible for me to ever get an account with anyone ever.
"It sounds to me like you failed to follow up on this situation in a timely manner. What should have happened is this; After a fraudulent check turns up, you speak with the accounts manager,"
I did speak with the manager.

"confirming the fraud, and contact the police to file a report."

I did, but the police can’t force the bank to do anything. that is why I am seeking a lawyer.

"At that point, the bank would likely freeze the account, but your overall credit rating would not be affected."
At that point they not only froze it, they killed it. Then my credit rating was affected, and now no bank will take me, because only says that there is fraud associated to a situation in my name. It doesn’t state in the records that I was the victim.

I can prove abuse and that the entire marriage was a fraud to begin with (we actually had sex less than two weeks before their marriage back in September) I have documents ie. emails, letters, cards that state how much she regretted getting married dating back to October (less than a month after the marriage) my concern now is that I am 100 percent positive that he has been physically abusive to her. Now, (pending DNA testing) she is pregnant with my child and still considering not getting a divorce. Is there any chance of me being able to get custody of the child based on all this info?

I’ve posted about this before, but I need to find out accurate info from real cops/police officers.

A friend (over 18) has a joint credit card with her mom. She never used the card, except this once.

But before she could mail in the payment, her parents saw the transaction history online & threatened to send her to jail for using “their” card. So she got scared & lied. She said she never used it, that she didn’t even have the card anymore.

She’s sent in the full payment, but she can’t tell that to her parents (since she denied using the card)

The facts are this:

1.) The credit card was/is a joint account, with 2 cards. 1 card is in the name of my friend, the other card is in the name of her mom

2.) She’s made FULL payment for the item purchased

Now, if THE PARENTS (NOT the girl) report the card as stolen OR misused (fraudulent charges) can my friend be arrested and/or prosecuted for credit card fraud or theft??
need to add

There is no balance on this card because my friend has already sent in FULL payment for her portion

Secondly, the card is a joint account with her mom. There is no primary cardholder. It is a joint account, NOT a primary account with my friend as an additional cardholder

The two cardholders on the account are my mom and her friend.

Most importantly, she SENT IN FULL PAYMENT for what she charged.

But since she denied using the card, her parents (again, NOT the girl) are planning to report the card as stolen.

If they do can she be traced and arrested/prosecuted??

I have so much identity theft from a corrupt mortgage broker (most likely). I paid on two cards for at least six months, which was so stupid. In december, enough was enough and I stopped paying. I have finally started to take action. My attorney says that these can still be proven, but I see little hope. Anybody out there that works in this field? Freemason here.

Hello,
I have an American Express credit card and gave my mother a supplement card to help her out. Since her recent bankruptcy and bad credit history she had no access to any credit card. She has been good paying as she knows we are both on this acct. Months later I found out she opened her own Visa credit card. When I confront her she said when she applied she used my AX acct as her referral card. This has always been a fast and easy way one can get a credit card if one has an existing card. She then was able to attain her own card but with my credit history. Later she was able to attain 5 more cards using my supplement AX card.
Am I liable for her unpaid bills?
Her statements are under her name, only thing I am worried about is because my credit was used to open those existing cards she has now.
Am I protected or have I been scammed by my own mother and liable?

What are things you do in everyday life that prevent identity theft?
I have my name on all my cards without my middle initial, I do not sign the back. It says see photo ID. My legal signature ALWAYS has my middle initial on it. So if there is ever a dispute, I win! I ALWAYS take my mail containing checks to the post office. The red flag you pull up for the postman is a red flag for thieves too. They can take your check and alter it. Also, keep a gel pen in your checkbook, the gel can’t be lifted from your checks the way ballpoint ink can.

New Credit Card Scam .. Snopes says this is true.

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.

Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "Master Card".

The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for 7.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?"
When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from 7 to 7, just under the 0 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"

You say "yes". The caller continues – "I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security.

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here’s the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works . The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". He’ll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers". ; There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers’ that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he’ll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, "Don’t hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN n umber on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them. Instead, tell them you’ll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you’re receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you’ll see charges for purc hases you didn’t make, and by then it’s almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of Master Card" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn’t let him finish. I hun g up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.

Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other !

Peace and Love…
Pray for the saints…

The most common credit card scam is made by phone. The caller will pretend to repsent your credit card company. He/she will sound proffesional, knowlegeable and polite.You may receive a call something like this, from "VISA" or "MasterCard": The caller will say, "This is (name), and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA/MASTERCARD. My badge number is 12460 and your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA/MASTERCARD card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for 7.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona?"
When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from 7 to 7, just under the 0 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues – "I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number". The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here’s the important part on how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card". Caller will ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers". There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he’ll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say "No", the caller then thanks you and states, "Don’t hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you credit card number. However, if you call the REAL VISA/MASTERCARD Security Department, they will probably tell you it is a scam. There may also be a new purchase of 7 to 7 charged to our credit card.
If this happens to you, you will need to make a real fraud report and close your credit card account. Your credit card company should give you new credit card and 3-digit security numbers. What the scammers want is the 3-digit security number on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them! Instead, tell them you’ll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real credit card security dep’t will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card!
Other credit card scams include: mail/internet order fraud, account takeover, skimming, carding, and stealing your card.
this essay is about credit card scams

I have good credit and im in the market for a business credit card. What company offers the best rates, offers, cash back programs ect? Please give me some ideas on programs i should look into from the major cards like, AE, Discover, MC, and Visa.

I have a credit score of 700 and wanting another credit card. I was thinking about citi bank or bank of america. What one should I get? I only have one other credit card from Wumu. I want a credit card that report to the 3 credit bureaus every month. Anyone has either one of these cards, if so, what one did you like and why?

I have decent credit but I had cancelled all my cards when trying to get out of debt. I am now free of all unsecured debt but I need to have a card so in the future I won't be hurt by having no credit.

I'm thinking I want a card with no annual fee and a low APR. The card would only be used very occassionally and paid off immediately. I have no desire to repeat previous mistakes.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good card for this purpose?
Okay, as I said, but everyone is skipping, is that I have decent credit. My credit score is 700.

When I got into trouble I went into debt consolidation right away BEFORE my credit got screwed up.

But I do appreciate those of you who are taking the time to answer.

I read in many places that it hurts your credit score to close accounts for many reasons. If you just leave them open and shred the cards, aren't you setting yourself up for identity theft?

Ex was ordered to provide health insurance for children…does so sporadically. Most recent policy sent via email (February) was a copy of cards front and back. This policy began Jan.1, 2008. According to BCBS in recent phone conversation (July) this policy was "set up" in computer system but never activated and terminated on the same day (Jan. 1)….claims will be retroactively terminated and I will be responsible party as I took children to office visits…

here's the kicker…this is the second time this has happened!

The first time (2006) cost me 00…six months of retroactive termination…..without going into all of the mind boggling absurdities of the Family Friendly Court system of Missouri- (ex also facing "prosecution" for failing to provide support ,000 arrears…able to pay just not frightened enough or morally motivated) my question is this…because these insurance policies were sent through mail (email) can this be considered mail fraud- who brings charges

It seems credit card companies could take more preventative measures in reducing fraudulent use of cards. Additionally, they take little to no action if a card is reported lost or stolen and cooperation with law enforcement is comical. Is there a business or financial reason for this, and if so, why? Some ideas would be to issue a PIN like a debit card (which could be verbal for phone orders) and requiring the use of a government ID when making charges in person. I also question why they don’t assist law enforcement with reported cases, especially when a suspect or viable leads are developed? I’ve been involved in cases where companies refuse to provide information to the victim/card holder and even withhold information from law enforcement departments. They simply release the payment obligation of the card holder, write it off, and hope the matter dissolves. We, as consumers, pay higher interest rates and service fees for this. Does anyone know why the companies don’t increase prevention and allow for better prosecution?

I have so much identity theft from a corrupt mortgage broker (most likely). I paid on two cards for at least six months, which was so stupid. In december, enough was enough and I stopped paying. I have finally started to take action. My attorney says that these can still be proven, but I see little hope. Anybody out there that works in this field? Freemason here.

I have had a Discover Card for many years and have recently received a new set of cards with a new account number because of an account breach. If I want to keep a similar statement closing date and payment due date should I activate the new cards at a specific date during the month?

On 9/11/07 my 86 year old father passed away.My father has 2 seperate credit card accounts from the same bank in his name only.My disabled sister has a credit card on both these accounts in her name but dad being the owner / primary.His wife, my 82 yr old mother, does not have her name as co-primary or as has any credit card with her name on it.Mom never ever had a credit card.My father 2 years before he passed away, letter stating that in the past,present, & in the future, his wife,son & daughter have his permission & authorithy to use & sign his name or their names to any & all accounts in his name ,then we all signed & notorized. He was viewed as competent at this time & there wasnt any compentency report prior or up to the notorized date on this letter. In probate court, months after this letter was notorized, my father,now viewed as incompetent,My mother competent but they have a limited guardian of there estate. SO AFTER THE 9/11/07 DEATH ARE CHARGES ON THESE CR. CARDS FRAUD?