Credit card fraud is a serious crime and should be immediately reported.
Credit card fraud quickly has the ability to wreak havoc on your life. Not only are you faced with an array of unauthorized charges, but your credit rating can take a major hit. If you're a victim, you must report the crime because credit card companies and credit bureaus require a police report with your claim. The statute of limitations on taking legal action against credit card fraud is four years in New Mexico, and state law starts the clock when the victim discovers the fraud, not from the date of actual charges.
Instructions
1. Gather all original documents and materials that could be used as evidence, including credit card and bank statements, e-mails, receipts, delivery records and surveillance video. Make at least two copies of all documentation, as you will have to hand over the originals.
2. Write down a time line of the alleged credit card fraud for authorities. Put the events in chronological order and include as many details as possible, including time and amount of purchase, location or Web address and items purchased. If more than four years have lapsed since the fraud, include in your time line when and how you discovered the charges. Ensure that falls within the past four years.
3. Send a fraud notice to your bank, each of your credit card companies affected, as well as the three major credit bureaus--Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Make a copy of each notice to include with your police report.
4. Bring the documentation to your local police station or sheriff's department. Find the station through your municipal directory, town or county homepage or the phone book. Or, look up your local department online through a police department directory site, such as USA Cops.
5. Explain to the officer that you are a victim of credit card fraud and would like to file a report. An officer will help you with the paperwork.
6. Ask for a case number and contact information for the officer in charge of your case. Request that he or she keep in contact with you, and don't be afraid to call periodically to check on the case's progress. Immediately notify the officer about any new fraudulent charges or evidence.
Tags: credit card, card fraud, four years, card companies, card fraud, credit card
