When to Call Your Credit Card Company
This is a guest article by Noreen Ruth
Newspaper
and online articles go into great depth to report threats to credit
card accounts and the inventive scams thieves use to steal the identity
of consumers. What is often left implied and not clearly conveyed is
when your suspicions warrant a call to the credit card company. Not only
will contacting them help stop criminal activity in its tracks against
your own account but may help prevent thieves from moving on to another
unsuspecting consumer.
Credit card companies strive to keep the lines of communication open, beginning with the authorization process that is required when you first receive a new card. Calling from your home phone helps authorizes that the card arrived at the correct address and is safely in your hands.
Activating a New Card
It’s always better to lean toward overly cautious and make the call then to find out down the road that you’ve been a victim. The contact information for credit card companies can either be found on the back of the card and on the monthly statement.
Losing a Credit Card
Sometimes there’s just no way to know what happened to a credit card; was it simply mislaid, left at the store register or stolen when your wallet was lifted? Rather than taking a wait-and-see attitude and risking it falling into the wrong hands, quickly make the call to cancel a misplaced card. The credit card company will appreciate your proactive action and concern and within a matter of days a replacement card with a new account number will be sent to you.
Moving to a New Residence
This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people fail to change their contact information when moving. Save yourself the hassle of missing a payment or even worse, having your sensitive, financial information delivered to a complete stranger by filling out the change of address section of your monthly statement or call the number on the back of the card and speak with an agent.
Finding Unauthorized Activity on Your Account
You should be able to recognize every purchase or charge on your monthly statement. If you find anything suspicious, call your credit card company immediately. Crooks are notoriously fast in racking up large balances. They will authorize a new card and account number, while continuing to investigate the possibility of criminal activity.
Traveling Away from Home
As a security measure, your credit card company may freeze your account if purchases are made away a distance from your residence. To ensure continued service while you travel, call the issuer to let them know of your plans.
Buying Big Ticket Items
Unusual or high-priced buying sprees raise a red flag for credit card companies. If you plan to make these kinds of purchases, like new furniture, appliances, technology, etc., give a heads up of your plans to the issuer to avoid the inconvenience of a blocked account.
Missing a Credit Card Statements
Mail fraud is among the tactics thieves use to steal an identity or credit card data to commit fraud. This is why it’s important to know when your statement should arrive and take action to report it missing when it’s late.
About The Author: As a freelance writer for multiple finance blogs and websites, Noreen Ruth provides readers with the most up-to-date information on credit cards and other financial issues. She strives to educate consumers about topics that may impact their ability to manage their credit/debt responsibly. Noreen shares tips on how to (compare credit cards, understand credit card applications, apply for low APR credit cards, manage credit card debt, apply for debt reduction help, etc.), in addition to reporting on the latest credit and debt news from government and other reputable sources.
Newspaper
and online articles go into great depth to report threats to credit
card accounts and the inventive scams thieves use to steal the identity
of consumers. What is often left implied and not clearly conveyed is
when your suspicions warrant a call to the credit card company. Not only
will contacting them help stop criminal activity in its tracks against
your own account but may help prevent thieves from moving on to another
unsuspecting consumer.Credit card companies strive to keep the lines of communication open, beginning with the authorization process that is required when you first receive a new card. Calling from your home phone helps authorizes that the card arrived at the correct address and is safely in your hands.
Activating a New Card
It’s always better to lean toward overly cautious and make the call then to find out down the road that you’ve been a victim. The contact information for credit card companies can either be found on the back of the card and on the monthly statement.
Losing a Credit Card
Sometimes there’s just no way to know what happened to a credit card; was it simply mislaid, left at the store register or stolen when your wallet was lifted? Rather than taking a wait-and-see attitude and risking it falling into the wrong hands, quickly make the call to cancel a misplaced card. The credit card company will appreciate your proactive action and concern and within a matter of days a replacement card with a new account number will be sent to you.
Moving to a New Residence
This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people fail to change their contact information when moving. Save yourself the hassle of missing a payment or even worse, having your sensitive, financial information delivered to a complete stranger by filling out the change of address section of your monthly statement or call the number on the back of the card and speak with an agent.
Finding Unauthorized Activity on Your Account
You should be able to recognize every purchase or charge on your monthly statement. If you find anything suspicious, call your credit card company immediately. Crooks are notoriously fast in racking up large balances. They will authorize a new card and account number, while continuing to investigate the possibility of criminal activity.
Traveling Away from Home
As a security measure, your credit card company may freeze your account if purchases are made away a distance from your residence. To ensure continued service while you travel, call the issuer to let them know of your plans.
Buying Big Ticket Items
Unusual or high-priced buying sprees raise a red flag for credit card companies. If you plan to make these kinds of purchases, like new furniture, appliances, technology, etc., give a heads up of your plans to the issuer to avoid the inconvenience of a blocked account.
Missing a Credit Card Statements
Mail fraud is among the tactics thieves use to steal an identity or credit card data to commit fraud. This is why it’s important to know when your statement should arrive and take action to report it missing when it’s late.
About The Author: As a freelance writer for multiple finance blogs and websites, Noreen Ruth provides readers with the most up-to-date information on credit cards and other financial issues. She strives to educate consumers about topics that may impact their ability to manage their credit/debt responsibly. Noreen shares tips on how to (compare credit cards, understand credit card applications, apply for low APR credit cards, manage credit card debt, apply for debt reduction help, etc.), in addition to reporting on the latest credit and debt news from government and other reputable sources.
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