I have a question about credit card fraud

I received a Western Union Mailgram fro American Express Account Security Group asking me to call a 1-800# to verify three charges made to my account. Two of the charges they listed were purchases I made and have been posted to m y account. One of the charges on the list (for $549) is not something I purchased and it has not been posted to my Amex account. I wasn't sure if the letter was legit, so I decided to call the 1-800 # on the back of my Amex card rather than the # on the letter. I was transferred a few times and finally spoke to a woman who said that the $549 charge was approved on their end. She told me they were going to cancel my card and send me a new one and to dispute the charge when it appears on my statement. I was nervous giving her any information (she asked for my mom's birth date, the last for digits of my SS # and the CID # on the card), but gave her the info anyway. Now I'm worried I did the wrong thing. I don't understand why a charge that was made on 12/16 has not posted but I purchased gas 2 days ago and that purchase has been posted.

Has anyone had any experience with fraudulent charges with American Express? Did I do the right thing here?

Re: I have a question about credit card fraud

I recently had this with my AT&T card. The ba$tards got away with $345.00 of frauduant charges on my card. The Credit Card Co actually detected the false transactions and notified me. They cancelled the card and reissued a new one. I haven't used the new one or any other charge card since. I just disputed the charges (since the statement only came in) last week, so I'll let you know what I hear from them. It *****!

Re: I have a question about credit card fraud

i have NEVER had a problem w/ amex and a use it for almost everything.

Re: I have a question about credit card fraud

at first with a charge (above 25 bucks) you must sign and the company must submit the transcation to the bank to be an offical charge where you see it post.

the charege may of been authorized but never submitted a slip collecting on the money.

better safe then sorry changing your card. (i have done this once with Amex)

depending on where a charge comes from (and dollor if small) you don't need to sign (ex. fast food resturants). Things like that get transmitted electronically to the bank (amex)

Message edited 12/30/2005 1:01:04 PM.

Re: I have a question about credit card fraud

Re: I have a question about credit card fraud

I am not sure what number is on the back of your Amex, but this is their identity theft assistance number. 800-297-7672.

Directly from American Express website on fraud charges:

American Express has always been committed to protecting your privacy and security. In fact, there are many measures we take to protect our Cardmembers that you may not be aware of.

For example, we use the latest technology to keep your account number secure, and we have a clearly stated online privacy protection policy we stand by.

Fraud Protection tools and services from American Express

Learn More

Zip code verification and CID verification are two more ways we help prevent anyone else from using your Card.

• When you use your American Express® Card at some retail stores, you may be asked to provide your billing zip code. American Express compares that information with the zip code we have on file to help confirm that it is you using the Card. This information is for security purposes only. It will not be used for marketing purposes, and is not retained by the merchant.

• "CID" stands for Card Identification Digits. Some merchants now ask for the CID on your American Express Card when you shop online or on the phone. This allows American Express to verify that the number given matches your records, helping to protect your account from fraudulent use.

Our Fraud Protection Guarantee means you won't be held responsible for any fraudulent charges when you use your American Express Card. No fine print, no deductible—just pure protection so you can shop with confidence anywhere online or off.

Learn more about the Fraud Protection Guarantee

Finally, get important information pertaining to your Account delivered to you - whenever and wherever you want. With Account Alerts from American Express, you can choose to be notified when your payment is due or when it is received, when irregular account activity is detected or when you are approaching your line of credit/spending limit. Alerts can be sent to your e-mail address, mobile phone, pager or PDA.