…… - Question about a card I received in the mail (2024)

FAQs

Why did I randomly get a credit card in the mail? ›

Occasionally, a bank may issue a credit card in error. In such a case, you should direct the bank to close the account and remove any record of the account from your credit history. Receiving an unsolicited card also could mean that a third party has applied for the card after stealing your identity.

If you receive a debit/credit card that you didn't apply for from a bank that you don't bank with, call the card's bank immediately. The bank will be able to clarify why you received the card or tell you if it's a scam. Do NOT use the contact numbers provided in the mail with the card.

Credit card issuers may send you offers in the mail because they have identified you as part of their target audience for a certain card. They treat them as marketing material to persuade you to open a specific card.

Contact your bank or credit card issuer

If you accidentally paid a scammer online using your debit or credit card, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Let them know that you fell for a scam and provide them with as much detail as possible about the scam.

If you received a store credit card you didn't sign up for, that means someone else likely signed you up without your permission. Issuing you a card without your permission violates the Truth in Lending Act and is considered fraud.

If you have a few minutes, call the credit card company

Call the number on the back of the card and tell the credit card company that you found it. They'll contact the card's owner for you. It's possible that the card was already reported as lost anyway, and the card company will issue a new card with a new number.

Identity thieves can retrieve account data from your card's magnetic strip using a device called a skimmer, which they can stash in ATMs and store card readers. They can then use that data to produce counterfeit cards. EMV chip cards, which are replacing magnetic strip cards, can reduce this risk. Spying.

If you're not careful, identity thieves can open bank accounts in your name and use them to launder money, apply for new credit cards, and commit tax fraud. You can protect your identity by locking down your online accounts and by being on the lookout for scams. But you can also refer to the experts for help.

Accidentally downloading malware or spyware can enable hackers to access information stored on your computer, including credit card information and other details. For example, a malware attack might use a keylogger that records your keystrokes or browser history and then sends that information to a hacker.

A: You can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or go to OptOutPrescreen.com* to remove your name from the lists supplied to credit card companies and the three nationwide credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and another credit company, Innovis.

Are mail credit card offers legit? ›

Banks believe that the offers you get in the mail are likely to get more of your attention. The offers you get depend on your credit score, so if you have bad credit, you'll get pre-approved offers to help you build your credit, and if your credit is good you'll probably get offers for rewards credit cards.

If you don't want to get prescreened offers in the mail, you have two choices: opt out for five years: Go to optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). The major credit bureaus operate the phone number and website.

Ignore calls from 3-digit international area codes that are likely to be scams, including 232, 268, 284, 473, 664, 649, 767, 809, 829, 849, and 876. Be wary of calls from unknown numbers with your own area code. These may be international caller ID spoof scams that appear local.

Bank investigators will usually start with the transaction data and look for likely indicators of fraud. Time stamps, location data, IP addresses, and other elements can be used to prove whether or not the cardholder was involved in the transaction.

The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.

Call the credit card issuer

If you get a credit card in the mail you didn't apply for, call the company right away. Tell them you don't want the card, and to cancel the account. Ask them not to report the account to the credit reporting agencies.

Identity theft: The card may be used fraudulently if it is obtained by an unauthorised person. This implies that unless you have specifically asked for and granted your unambiguous consent, credit card issuers (banks and NBFCs) are not permitted to send you a card.

You may notice initial damage to your credit score if someone opens an account in your name and racks up charges they don't pay for, but your credit score should rebound once the credit bureaus have removed the fraudulent accounts from your reports.

If you keep receiving credit card offers in the mail, it's likely that you have a good or excellent credit score. Unsolicited credit card offers essentially say, “We see you have good credit and we think you would like this offer.”