Fraudulent Credit Card Charges: How an FCRA Attorney Can Help You Dispute and Recover
How to Fight Fraudulent Credit Card Activity and Restore Your Credit
Finding fraudulent charges on your credit card statement can be a nightmare. Whether it’s a single unauthorized transaction or an entire account opened in your name, these situations often come with confusion, stress, and real financial consequences. Victims are often left scrambling to understand what happened, how to fix it, and who to contact.
Even worse, the damage can extend beyond your wallet, affecting your credit report, your ability to get loans, your housing applications, and your overall emotional state.
Fortunately, consumers have rights. Under federal law—specifically the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)—you have legal tools available to dispute fraudulent charges and restore your financial standing. With the help of an attorney experienced in credit reporting laws, you can take swift action to remove the damage, hold companies accountable, and in many cases, seek financial compensation.
What Are Fraudulent Credit Card Charges?
Fraudulent charges occur when someone uses your credit card information without your permission. This can happen when your physical card is stolen, your account is hacked online, or when someone applies for a new credit card in your name using stolen personal details. These charges might show up on your statement as strange purchases, subscriptions you didn’t sign up for, or transactions from locations you’ve never been to.
In some cases, you may not even know about the fraud until you see a drop in your credit score or are denied a loan. You may discover unfamiliar credit card accounts on your credit report or find yourself contacted by debt collectors over charges you never made.
How Fraudulent Charges Affect You
Fraudulent transactions aren’t just annoying—they can be financially and emotionally damaging. These unauthorized charges can cause your credit card balance to rise unexpectedly, affecting your credit utilization and score. Missed payments on accounts you didn’t open can lead to negative marks on your credit report. That, in turn, can impact your ability to get approved for a car loan, mortgage, or even a job.
In severe cases, victims of fraud end up with thousands of dollars in unauthorized debt and face significant delays in clearing their name—especially when credit reporting agencies and lenders fail to properly handle disputes.
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA is a federal law designed to protect consumers from inaccurate, unfair, or outdated information in their credit files. If your credit report contains fraudulent or incorrect information, you have the legal right to dispute it. Credit reporting agencies are required to investigate your claims and respond within a set timeframe—usually 30 days.
What many people don’t realize is that if a credit bureau or lender fails to conduct a proper investigation, or continues to report known errors, they may be in violation of the FCRA. In those situations, you may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages. This is where having an experienced FCRA attorney becomes essential.
Why Legal Help Matters
Although you are allowed to dispute credit report errors on your own, the process isn’t always simple. Many consumers find that their disputes are ignored, dismissed, or closed without a clear resolution. It’s common to feel stuck—especially when the same fraudulent charges or accounts keep showing up on your report.
An attorney who specializes in FCRA cases knows how to present your dispute in a way that credit bureaus and lenders must take seriously. They’ll help you gather evidence, prepare the proper documentation, and communicate with the necessary parties on your behalf. If your case escalates, your attorney can file a lawsuit against the credit reporting agencies, card issuers, or debt collectors involved.
Most importantly, a qualified FCRA attorney will fight not only to get the fraudulent information removed, but also to recover any damages you’ve suffered—such as denied credit, emotional distress, or time lost dealing with the situation.
What To Do If You Discover Fraudulent Charges
If you believe there are unauthorized transactions or accounts tied to your credit, it’s important to act quickly.
First, review your recent credit card statements and request your credit reports from all three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Look carefully for any charges, accounts, or personal details you don’t recognize. If you see anything suspicious, contact your credit card issuer immediately and report the charges as fraudulent. In most cases, your card will be canceled, and a new one will be issued.
Next, file disputes with the credit bureaus that are reporting the fraudulent account or activity. This is typically done by mail or online. You should include copies of your credit report with the errors highlighted, a written explanation of the issue, and any supporting documents you have.
In some cases, especially when identity theft is involved, you may also file an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through IdentityTheft.gov. While not always required, it can strengthen your dispute and serve as formal documentation of the fraud.
If your dispute is ignored, denied without proper investigation, or the fraudulent item is reinserted into your report, it’s time to speak with a lawyer.
When to Call an FCRA Attorney
If the credit bureaus or creditors don’t correct the issue after you've notified them, you may have a case under the FCRA. A lawyer can review your documentation and determine whether your rights were violated. If so, they may file a lawsuit on your behalf to seek compensation and ensure the errors are permanently removed.
An FCRA attorney may be able to recover money for the following:
Emotional distress and time spent disputing the issue
Denials of credit, housing, or employment
Actual out-of-pocket costs or financial losses
Statutory damages, even if you can’t prove financial harm
Many attorneys in this field work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless they win your case.
Taking Back Control
Fraudulent credit card charges can feel like an invasion of your privacy and a threat to your financial security. While credit card companies and credit bureaus offer some level of protection, their processes often fall short—leaving victims frustrated and vulnerable.
But you don’t have to go through it alone.
An attorney experienced in FCRA law can help you take control of the situation, remove the fraudulent information, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether you're dealing with a few unauthorized charges or an entire account opened in your name, legal help is available—and often at no cost to you upfront.
Final Thoughts
Credit report fraud is more common than most people think. Even a minor error can snowball into major financial consequences if it’s not addressed. By understanding your rights and knowing when to involve an attorney, you can protect your credit, hold the responsible parties accountable, and restore your financial reputation.
If you're currently dealing with fraudulent credit card charges or inaccurate credit reporting, reach out to an FCRA attorney today. A free consultation may be the first step toward putting this behind you—and moving forward with confidence.