How To Eliminate Debt From Credit Cards Due to Spousal Fraud

Credit cards can be opened fraudulently by a spouse.

Credit card fraud is a terrible ordeal to undergo for any consumer. However, when the fraud is committed against you by a spouse or ex-spouse, then you may feel more violated on a personal and emotional level. If you are the victim of credit card fraud and you suspect your spouse might be the culprit, then you need to take certain steps to protect yourself and eliminate the unwanted debt.

Things You'll Need

• Personal credit report

Instructions

1. Contact the credit card issuer immediately when you detect fraud on your card. Inform the representative you need to report fraudulent activity. Most likely, you will be transferred to the fraud or security department to discuss your claim. The credit card company will then open an investigation into the matter with all the details you provided. In most instances, you will be assigned a personal investigator to handle your case and she will follow up with you, if necessary.

2. Inform the security representative or fraud investigator if you did not apply for the credit card that was opened in your name. The fraud department should open an account ownership dispute if your bring this to its attention. However, if it does not offer to do this, ask to dispute the ownership of the account. Credit issuers take fraud seriously and should be cooperative with filing your dispute.

3. Open a dispute with any credit bureau that is reporting the credit account in question. You may need to pull your credit report to determine which reporting agency shows the open accounts. It is best to put your dispute in writing, which can be submitted via postal mail or online.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, talk to your spouse about the fraudulent accounts or activity and try to resolve the issue without involving the credit companies.

• Keep a written record of all claims, correspondence, disputed accounts and fraudulent transactions you report to the credit issuer or credit bureaus.

• Follow up with your fraud investigator whenever you have new information that will assist the investigation.

• If you are still married to your spouse, know there may be serious repercussions in reporting her as the main fraud suspect. If the dollar amount of the charged debt is high enough, the credit card company will most likely prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

References

• Privacy Matters: How Your Spouse May Affect Your Credit History
• 'Lectric Law Library: Understanding Credit Cards, Credit Reports And Fraud

Resources

• Experian: Dispute Your Credit Report Online
• TransUnion: Credit Disputes
• Equifax: Dispute Online