Recieving Un-Requested Credit Cards

ember15 · **Recieving Un-Requested Credit Cards**

Ok so this weekend I am down visiting my parents and my mom gives me some mail. Its a Credit Card (Not an offer) but the actual Card ready for activation. Sent to my parents address with my Madien name. I am upset because I want to limit the number of cards that I have. Having another card does affect MY credit score and so I am upset to have this one taken out without my knowledge.

So what would you do? Obviously cancel the card but is there anything else that you can do. How does opening a card and closing it without ever using it look on your credit score. Is it even legal for someone to issue a credit card without you ever applying?

Oregano · 10-22-2007, 11:47 AM

Yikes!

I believe it's against federal law for a credit card to be issued without you asking for one. Did you ever have an account with the bank that sent you a card?

I would also worry more that it is something to do with identity theft. I would probably be asking a lot of questions when I called to cancel the account...and check your credit report! I believe you can flag your social security number, so that if someone tries to use it, they contact you or something, I remember a friend of mine doing that when she went thru a divorce because her DH was opening up credit cards in her name. Get in touch with the three credit reporting agencies to find out how to do that.

Rosemary · 10-22-2007, 11:47 AM

Be careful. Someone could've tried to open it in your name. I recieved a statement one time for an open credit card. Neither my husband nor I had opened it and still have no idea how it was opened. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they can open a credit card without some pertinent information.

As for your credit report, when you cancel it, make sure you ask them to code it as "closed per request of customer." I wouldn't think it would have a major effect. Good luck..

ember15 · 10-22-2007, 11:53 AM

I have been married and moved out for 4 years. I did have never had accounts with Citi so I really don't know how they got my information. So I am really confused to that. But I will have to call them later today and see what they have to say.

Oregano · 10-22-2007, 11:59 AM

I think it might be called a "Fraud Alert"...

Equifax Credit Report FAQ: Credit Fraud Alert Information

Found more info and other options here:

USATODAY.com - Place fraud alert on credit reports to fight ID theft

MrsJ · 10-22-2007, 12:20 PM

Besides the good advice above, I would use Optout.com. That way companies cannot sell your private information to credit cards, etc. They have more info on the freeannualcreditreport.com. I hope you take this seriously and act immediately. I know you don't want to have to many credit cards, but it can be just as harmful to close a bunch of old accounts. My advice is keep a few old accounts and close the newest ones with the highest interest.

mnmomma · 10-22-2007, 12:25 PM

Citi Bank and Chase are the worst for this. I get actual cards at my house for someone else. Her name and my address. It isn't even for the couple that lived here before we bought their house. I also get her Kohl's statement. I have gotten cards to reactivate- opened by mistake when I was opening mail. I have even gone to the PO when I take her mail back and they still let it slip through. Luckily I am honest- but it is annoying to keep getting her mail that contains such personal info.

ember15 · 10-22-2007, 06:30 PM

Well at least they were real good at closing it down at least. I had a meire n Frank card 4 years ago I used it once & paid it off. Bridal registry completion thing I saved like $60 at the time. The store was bought out buy Macy's and Macy's up graded it to a Citi MasterCard all without asking me. Or if they did I never got it because it went to my parents address. Nice, So card closed and cut into little bits!

ZooNana · 10-22-2007, 09:36 PM

I highly suggest you get your credit reports and look for any unauthorized activity.