Your Rights if You are the Victim of Fraud

(See also "Fraud/ID Theft" section of this website)

Are you the victim of identity theft? Was your credit card used without your authorization? You have rights in this case as well:

• Limited Liability: While federal law limits consumers liability to $50 dollars, most credit card companies will not hold consumers liable if timely notification is made and some, like Visa and MasterCard, have zero liability policies.
• Credit Report Ordering: This service is offered free to victims of fraud. Order a copy of your credit report at least yearly from the major credit reporting agencies and check it carefully to make sure it is accurate. Cost is about $8 per copy (free to fraud victims). You can do this online at Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.
• Account Tagging: Ask that accounts closed due to fraud be tagged, "Accounts closed at consumers request." This tag line helps protect your credit rating by letting credit bureaus know that problems arising from compromised accounts are not your fault.
• Check credit reports after you have resolved you case to make sure they are accurate and no longer reflect any problems that may have arisen from the theft of your identity. Credit bureaus must correct inaccuracies by law.

Identity theft is never fun. But by taking the steps above, you can help to reverse the damage, and reclaim your good name and reputation.