What to Do When Someone Tries to Open a Credit Card in Your Name

When an unauthorized individual attempts to open a credit card account using your personal details, it signals a serious breach of your financial security. Even if unsuccessful, this incident indicates your sensitive information has been compromised, potentially exposing you to further fraudulent activities. Prompt action is essential to mitigate potential damage and protect your financial standing.

Act Swiftly to Protect Your Credit

Upon discovering an attempted fraudulent credit card application, immediately secure your credit and financial accounts. Contacting the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—is a primary step. You can place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting just one bureau; that bureau is required to notify the other two. An initial fraud alert lasts for one year and prompts creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts or making changes to existing ones. To place an alert, provide your full name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Consider placing a credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, on your credit reports for more robust protection. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for anyone, including identity thieves, to open new credit accounts in your name. Unlike a fraud alert, a credit freeze remains in effect until you choose to lift it. You will need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually to place or lift a freeze. Neither a fraud alert nor a credit freeze negatively impacts your credit score.

After placing an alert or freeze, request a copy of your credit report from each of the three bureaus to review for any other suspicious activity. You can obtain free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. Carefully examine each report for accounts or inquiries you do not recognize, as well as any incorrect personal information.

Promptly contact the financial institution where the fraudulent application was attempted. Locate their fraud department’s contact information. Inform them a fraudulent application was made in your name and confirm it was not approved. Provide any details you have regarding the attempted application and ask for a reference number for your call.

Document and Report the Fraud

Documenting the fraud provides an official record of the incident, which can be helpful when dealing with creditors or law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a streamlined process for reporting identity theft. File a report online at IdentityTheft.gov, providing as many details about the incident as possible.

The FTC report serves as official proof of identity theft. It can be used to dispute fraudulent accounts or charges, block inaccurate information from appearing on your credit reports, and prevent companies from collecting debts resulting from the theft. IdentityTheft.gov will generate an Identity Theft Report and a personalized recovery plan based on the information you provide. Print and save this report for your records.

Consider filing a police report with your local law enforcement agency, especially if you have suffered financial losses or if a creditor requires it. When contacting the police, bring supporting documentation such as your FTC Identity Theft Report, government-issued photo identification, proof of your address, and any evidence of the fraudulent attempt. Obtain a copy of the police report; this document can be necessary when disputing fraudulent accounts or dealing with various organizations.

Maintain Vigilance

To protect yourself from future identity theft, regularly review your credit reports from all three major bureaus for any unfamiliar accounts, inquiries, or changes to your personal information. Carefully check all bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions or activity. Promptly report any suspicious entries to the financial institution.

Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever available. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond a password, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts even if they obtain your password. Be cautious of unsolicited communications, such as phishing emails or texts, that attempt to trick you into revealing personal information. Shred sensitive documents before discarding them and avoid carrying unnecessary personal identification, such as your Social Security card, in your wallet.