Someone used my credit card to buy apple products?

Question

In March someone took my CC to the applestore and bought $580 in something there. I didn't notice until a few weeks ago and when I went to call the bank, Visa said they could not do anything about it because it was past 90 days. I am stuck with this bill, (which is A lot for me because I'm a student) and there has to be something else they can do about it.

I closed the account and the merchants are supposed to call the police if he tries to use it.

Also, I have a suspicion about who took it, but I cannot get ahold of them. They are like transient now and possibly moved to the other side of the country. Do I still file a police report?

Thanks for all the help and ideas.

Answer 1

By all means get a police report! Contact all parties involved {Visa, Applestore, Bank etc}. I also think you can put an ad in the local paper {business section}. Try consulting an attorney as to what your rights are about this debt.

Answer 2

Cancel the credit card immediate. They should be open 24/7. Then request your free credit reports through annualcreditcreditreprt.com or call them toll free @ 1-877-322-8228 for all 3 free reports. Then put the account on fraud alert through Trans Union Fraud Dept. Their toll free @ 1-800-680-7289. they will notify the other 2 bureaus for you. If you get the police report, it will be put on your file for 7 years, if not 90 days and must be renewed every 90 days. If you know where it was bought, call them and tell them you'll sign an afadavit of fraud. Oh, since the charge is on your credit report, dispute. They must repond within 30 days or it comes off.

Answer 3

I would make a police report - identity theft.  Then contact the merchant/credit card company and start filing a claim with them - make sure you notify of the police report.  After that, definitely get in touch with the Better Business Bureau - BBB.org and file a complaint about the merchant company and how they refused to do nothing for you the first time.  They will assist with the problem also.  Don't stop fighting it - be heard about it and don't give up - it is the only way it will get resolved.

Answer 4

You didn't say which bank issues your Visa.  You should send them a letter in writing stating that the charge is not yours and that you have no knowledge of the charge. Leave out your suspicions as it may not be true and makes it sound like you broke up with your boyfriend.  Your bank will resolve it, not the merchant.  If the card was at the point of sale, your bank takes the loss.  If it was mail/online order, Apple takes the loss.  For a fraud claim the 90 days shouldn't be an issue.