What to Do When Your Stolen Credit Card Still Shows Charges

It's incredibly frustrating to discover that your old credit card, which you've reported stolen and canceled, is still being used for unauthorized transactions. Learning how to resolve this issue quickly and effectively can help you regain control over your finances and prevent further fraudulent activity.

Immediate Action Required: Report the Card Stolen

First and foremost, it is crucial to report the theft of your credit card immediately upon realizing it has been lost or stolen. Delaying this step can lead to additional complications later. Once reported, your credit card company will take swift action to secure your account and begin investigating the unauthorized charges.

Understanding the Policy on Reissuance

Many credit card companies have policies that state recurring transactions from a canceled card will continue on a new card issued to the same account holder. This means that if a subscription or other ongoing charge was active on your original card, it may still apply to any new card you receive.

To address this, you should:

Contact your credit card issuer: Provide as many details as possible about the unauthorized charges and the theft of your card. The issuer will investigate and may terminate the charges immediately. Communicate with them through official channels, such as the Fraud Investigation Unit or customer service. Report to the Consumer Fraud Protection Office: Send a registered letter to the Consumer Fraud Protection Office, including the return receipt requested. This will document your notification and ensure a formal record. Delete the card: If all other methods fail, consider closing your account entirely and opening a new one. This stringent measure can be necessary to completely stop any further fraudulent activity.

Is It Really My Responsibility?

Fortunately, under International Fraud Protection Laws, you are generally not liable for unauthorized charges if you have taken reasonable steps to protect your account, including reporting your card as lost or stolen.

Here are some additional steps you can take:

Sign in to your online account: To report the card as lost or stolen, you can log into your online account and follow the prompts to flag the card. This step will often be faster and more secure than mailing a letter. Document everything: Keep a record of all communications with your credit card issuer, including dates, times, and detailed descriptions of the interactions. This documentation can be helpful if the issue is not resolved. Check credit reports: Regularly reviewing your credit report can help you spot any unauthorized activity early and address it promptly.

By taking these steps, you can effectively address the issue of unauthorized charges on your old credit card and ensure your financial security moving forward.