| Unfortunately, everyday purses and wallets become | | | | your payment as it will probably become lost and |
| lost or stolen. The missing credit cards in your purse or | | | | never get recorded. |
| wallet become the biggest concern. | | | | A lost or stolen debit card works somewhat differently |
| Do you know what to do if this happens to you? Well, | | | | from a credit card. If you report the card lost or stolen |
| you should because a few simple steps can save you | | | | before it is used you are not liable for any charges, |
| a lot of headache. It really isn't difficult to develop an | | | | however, if you wait for even two business days you |
| action plan for your lost or stolen credit cards. | | | | may be liable for up to $500.00 of any fraudulent |
| All major credit card companies have policies to | | | | charges made with your card. |
| protect you from loss or theft. You just need to know | | | | After you have reported your missing card, be sure to |
| how to get their policies working for you if your cards | | | | review your statements carefully for any fraudulent |
| become missing. | | | | charges. You should call, as well as, follow-up with a |
| The first step is to contact your credit card companies | | | | certified letter regarding any issues with your lost or |
| to report your missing cards. Many companies offer a | | | | stolen card. This added step will help to eliminate any |
| toll free number or an online service to handle this type | | | | liability on your part. |
| of problem specifically. | | | | Also, remember to have your credit card contact |
| Fortunately, federal law states that your are only liable | | | | information in a safe place where you can quickly |
| for the first $50.00 of fraudulent charges made to your | | | | access it if needed. |
| account. However, you are still required to report the | | | | Of course, the best way to avoid these problems is to |
| card lost or stolen and if you do so prior to any | | | | keep careful track of your credit cards. Know where |
| fraudulent charges, you are not liable for the $50.00 | | | | your credit cards are at all times and keep your pin |
| charge either. | | | | numbers secret. Also, be sure to use pin numbers that |
| Be sure to carefully review your statement for any | | | | are not easy to figure out, such as your date or birth. |
| charges that don't belong to you. And, if there are any | | | | Most importantly, be prepared to contact your credit |
| fraudulent charges to your account, notify your credit | | | | card companies via telephone and in writing as soon |
| card company in writing immediately. | | | | as possible in the event your cards become lost or |
| When your send in your written notification be sure to | | | | stolen. |
| mail it to the billing errors address. Do not send it with | | | | |