Reporting Credit Card Fraud: A Step-by-Step Guide

Credit card fraud and identity theft is a serious crime.

Credit card fraud and identity theft are serious crimes. The victim does not know a crime has been committed until sudden charges are made to the credit card. Not only does the victim deal with sudden charges. The victim also might have credit problems as a result of the fraud. Pressing charges for a credit card fraud is an important step toward regaining the money charged by the criminal and regaining a good credit score.

Step 1

Report the fraud to the credit card company immediately. If a card is lost or stolen, reporting the lost card to the credit card company can alert the company to any unauthorized charges. Reporting the fraud should be done over the phone for immediate service and through a letter in the mail to ensure the company is aware of the problem and to provide proof that the fraud is reported.

Step 2

Report the fraud to the local police department. Credit card fraud is a crime. While the company investigates the crime, police involvement is necessary to capture the culprit and press charges.

Step 3

Hire a lawyer. The police and credit card company are involved in finding the culprit. Once the culprit is caught, a lawyer can file the appropriate paperwork for pressing charges. A criminal lawyer or a lawyer that deals with identity theft is the best choice. A lawyer should draft a complaint that is presented to the court.

Step 4

If a culprit is charged, attend the trial and give proof of the fraud, including a copy of the report to the credit card company and proof that the purchase or purchases were not made by the card holder. Proof can be in the form of a lost or stolen card report, bank statements and proof that the card holder was not in the location where the purchase was made during the time of the purchase.