What to Do If You Find Someone’s Credit Card?
Navigate the proper way to handle a found credit card. Learn responsible actions to protect the owner and prevent potential misuse.
Finding a lost credit card can present an unexpected situation, prompting questions about the proper course of action. It is important to approach this discovery with responsibility and promptness. This article provides guidance on the correct and secure steps to take when a lost credit card is found.
Immediate Actions Upon Discovery
Upon finding a credit card, it is important to understand that using it is unauthorized and carries serious legal consequences. Federal laws, such as 15 U.S. Code § 1644 and 18 U.S. Code § 1029, prohibit fraudulent use of access devices like credit cards, even if found. Misusing a found card can lead to felony charges, potentially resulting in substantial fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years, depending on the amount involved and other factors.
Secure the card by placing it in a safe, visible location to prevent it from being lost again or falling into the wrong hands. Briefly examine the card for any identifying information, such as the cardholder’s name, which can be helpful later.
Next, identify the card type and the issuing financial institution. Most credit cards prominently display logos like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, usually on the front. The name of the bank or credit union that issued the card is also typically visible on the card’s front or back.
Notifying the Card Issuer
The next step involves contacting the card’s issuing financial institution. The most direct method to find contact information is to look for a customer service or lost/stolen card phone number printed on the back of the credit card. This number is specifically provided for such situations and connects directly to the bank’s relevant department.
If a phone number is not available on the card, a quick online search for the issuing bank’s customer service or “lost credit card” contact information will usually yield the necessary number. When making the call, clearly state that you have found a credit card belonging to one of their customers. Provide the card type, the name of the issuing bank, and if legible, the name printed on the card to help them identify the account.
It is important to avoid sharing any personal information about yourself beyond what is necessary for the bank to take action. The bank’s primary concern is to secure the cardholder’s account. The representative will likely cancel the found card immediately and arrange for a new one to be issued to the rightful owner, protecting them from potential fraud. They may also provide instructions on what to do with the physical card you possess.
Ensuring Secure Card Disposal
The primary action regarding the physical card should be to follow any specific instructions provided by the card issuer during your notification call. They might advise you to destroy the card immediately, or they may provide other guidance. Adhering to their directive ensures proper handling in accordance with their security protocols.
If no specific instructions are given, or if you are unable to contact the card issuer, it is prudent to physically destroy the card to prevent any potential misuse. This involves cutting through the magnetic stripe, the EMV chip, and the account number printed on the card. Utilizing a shredder specifically designed for credit cards or cutting the card into multiple small pieces with scissors can effectively render it unusable.
It prevents the card from being recovered and used fraudulently, safeguarding the owner from potential financial complications. It is generally not advisable to mail the card or attempt to return it directly to the owner unless explicitly instructed and facilitated by the card issuer, due to privacy and security concerns.