This isn’t just a dispute

Dear Dave,

Recently, my husband and I discovered that his ex-wife used his Social Security number to open three or four credit card accounts. We’ve called the credit card companies, and we’ve disputed the charges and explained the situation. Is there anything else we can do?

Kendra

Dear Kendra,

File a police report immediately, and if possible, have this woman arrested. That may sound harsh, but the fact is she has committed criminal fraud. That’s not something you, or anyone else, should take lightly. If you haven’t already, make sure you both also put fraud victim alerts on your credit reports immediately.   

I’m very serious about this, Kendra. Don’t stop with just alerting the credit card companies. You should be speaking with, and communicating via email – plus snail mail – directly with the fraud victim division at every credit card company involved. And here’s the really important part. Make sure they understand that this is a denial of responsibility on your part – not simply a dispute.

Try to be nice and let them know you’re sorry this happened. But clearly explain that all these charges are the result of a criminal act perpetrated against you. You may have to stand your ground with some of the credit card companies because they might try to lay a guilt trip on you –or outright lie – to get you to pay the bills. Don’t do it. These charges are not your responsibility.

I’m really sorry this happened to you folks.

Dave