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

FAQs

…… - Question about a card I received in the mail? ›

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.

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.

Unfortunately, it's possible that someone applied for the credit card in your name, which means you're a victim of identity theft. If that's the case or you have any other reason to suspect identity theft, you'll need to take steps to prevent further fraud on other accounts.

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 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.

What are Government Payment Cards? They are prepaid debit cards provided by the government for disbursem*nt of government benefits (such as Unemployment Insurance, Child Support, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families).

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.

Banks need your permission to open a credit card account

The Truth in Lending Act says banks cannot issue you a credit card unless it is in response to a request or application you make, in writing or orally, to the issuer.

Are You Responsible for Debts a Family Member Took Out? The good news is that most credit card companies have “zero liability” protection for fraud — as long as you report the incident quickly and file an official report with the FTC. (Be sure to check your credit card issuer's fraud policy.)

What to do if you are a victim of brushing? ›

The best way to know if someone has opened a bank account with your credentials is to request two reports from ChexSystems: your consumer disclosure and your consumer score. These can give you an idea of any negative marks against your name in the banking industry.

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.

If someone stole your identity and is using it to open up credit accounts, you could've received a store credit card that the thief signed up for. Identity theft is a serious issue and also qualifies as fraud.

This is not a scam. The government is sending some people Economic Impact Payment Cards if they qualified for a stimulus payment and the IRS couldn't direct deposit the payment.

If you frequently receive credit card offers in the mail, you're not alone. Card issuers do this to expand their customer base and reach a wider target audience. These are called prescreened offers as the company has identified you as a prime candidate for a card.

We sent this offer because you've used one of our banking products in the past OR you opted in to receive marketing from one of our trusted third-party partners. No one filled out an application on your behalf, no credit check was performed and no account has been opened in your name.

The U.S. Bank ReliaCard® is distributed and funded by state agencies to recipients of unemployment benefits. The ReliaCard® isn't a credit card, and U.S. Bank doesn't report ReliaCard® information to consumer credit reporting agencies.

Skimming occurs when devices are installed on ATMs, point-of-sale terminals and fuel pumps to capture data and steal cardholders' PINs. Scammers then use the information to make fake debit or credit cards.

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.