Anyone else get an unexpected credit card in the mail? (2024)

FAQs

Why did I randomly get a credit card in the mail? ›

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.

If you receive a card you didn't apply for, contact the bank, explain you didn't apply for the card and ask for the account to be closed. Also ask the bank to remove the account from your credit history. If you want to sound an alarm, you should also file a complaint with the CFPB about the unsolicited card.

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.

If you receive a debit card that you didn't apply for from a bank that you don't bank with, you should: Call the card's bank immediately. Do not use the contact numbers provided in the mail with the card.

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.

Call the card's bank immediately. Do not use the contact numbers provided in the mail with the card. The bank will be able to clarify why you received the card or tell you if it's a scam. Receiving an unsolicited card could mean: The bank issued the card in error.

The best way to find out if someone has opened an account in your name is to pull your own credit reports to check. Note that you'll need to pull your credit reports from all three bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — to check for fraud since each report may have different information and reporting.

Address fraud is a type of identity theft that occurs when a fraudster uses someone else's address, or a fake one, to facilitate illegal activities. This can include obtaining credit, goods, or services under false pretenses, or it can be used to facilitate other criminal activities.

If someone uses your SSN to obtain credit, loans, telephone accounts, or other goods and services, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen.

If you receive a “pre-approved” credit card offer in the mail, it means the issuer has reviewed your credit information and decided that you meet at least some of their approval criteria.

What should you do with credit card offers in the mail? ›

You can reduce the credit card offers you receive in the mail by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or by visiting OptOutPrescreen.com.

Receiving credit card offers in the mail is typically a sign that you have a good or excellent credit score. The credit bureaus provide your information to creditors, who will reach out to you if you meet their qualifications, hence the credit card offers.

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.

Sometimes, when you get credit cards in the mail that you haven't applied for, those are credit card offers—not actual, usable cards. You have to submit an application and be approved for credit before you get access to a functioning card.

If you get a credit card in the mail that you didn't apply for, call the company right away. Tell them you don't want the card, and to cancel the account. Ask them not to report the account to the credit reporting agencies. If they've already done so, ask them to correct the error with the agencies.

Card issuers and other lenders can request contact information from the credit reporting companies for people who meet certain criteria. You can opt out of these communications.

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.

Your liability for fraudulent charges on a credit card is limited to just $50, but your liability for fraudulent purchases made with your debit card or debit card number could be unlimited if you report the fraud more than 60 days after your banking statement was mailed to you, according to the FTC.