Credit Card Fraud Lawyer: What to Do After Fraud?

Introduction

A credit card fraud lawyer is often the missing piece between financial disaster and full recovery. With identity theft and credit card fraud cases skyrocketing across the United States, millions of Americans find themselves in a financial crisis they didn’t cause. One of the most damaging effects? A ruined credit score.

If your credit card was used without authorization and your credit score took a nosedive, you may feel helpless. However, legal remedies exist and expert credit card fraud lawyers are helping victims not only recover their credit but also receive compensation for the damages they’ve suffered.

This article explains what credit card fraud is, how it affects your credit, your legal rights, and how the right lawyer can help you turn the situation around.

What is Credit Card Fraud?

Credit card fraud involves the unauthorized use of your credit card or card information to make purchases, open new accounts, or access cash advances. It can happen in many ways, including:

Stolen or lost physical cards
Data breaches and leaked card info
Phishing emails and fake websites
Skimming at gas stations or ATMs
Synthetic identity theft using partial real data

Unfortunately, these activities often go unnoticed until they appear on your credit report by which time your score may already be significantly damaged.

How Credit Card Fraud Impacts Your Credit Score

Many assume that fraudulent charges are instantly wiped away, but in reality, they can cause long-lasting credit harm if not quickly addressed.

Here’s how fraud affects your credit:

Increased credit utilization
Missed payments on fraudulent accounts
Derogatory marks from unpaid fraudulent charges
New unauthorized accounts affecting credit history

These factors can lower your score by 100 points or more, hurting your chances of getting loans, renting a home, or even landing a job.

Why You Need a Credit Card Fraud Lawyer When Your Score Drops

When people search for solutions like “credit card fraud lawyer near me” or “credit card fraud legal help they’re often already in crisis mode. While banks and credit card companies offer fraud departments, they don’t always resolve issues quickly or fairly. That’s where hiring a credit card fraud lawyer makes a difference.

How a Credit Card Fraud Lawyer Can Help

1. Drafting Legally Binding Dispute Letters

While you can send a dispute on your own, a lawyer’s letter carries more legal weight. They reference laws like the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to compel faster, more thorough responses.

2. Filing a Lawsuit for Identity Theft or Fraud

If a bank or credit bureau fails to resolve the issue, a credit card fraud lawyer can help you file a lawsuit for identity theft credit card damages. You may be entitled to compensation for:

Emotional distress
Lost job or housing opportunities
Denied loans or mortgages
Actual financial losses

3. Credit Restoration

Attorneys work with creditors and credit bureaus to:

Remove fraudulent accounts
Restore your score
Stop collection calls on fraudulent debts

They can even use consumer law to negotiate with collectors or remove incorrect records quickly.

4. Police Reports and Legal Affidavits

In many cases, banks or bureaus require official documentation. Lawyers help you submit identity theft affidavits and file police reports, strengthening your legal standing.

Your Legal Rights: Understanding the Laws That Protect You

Several U.S. laws protect you when fraud affects your credit:

1. Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)

This law allows you to dispute unauthorized charges within 60 days of the billing date. Your liability is limited to $50, and most issuers waive it altogether.

Related keyword: Fair Credit Billing Act dispute process

2. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The FCRA requires credit bureaus to investigate and correct errors. If they fail, you may sue and recover statutory and actual damages, as well as legal fees.

3. Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act

This act makes identity theft a federal crime and supports victims in pressing charges and seeking justice.

4. Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA)

Though more relevant to debit cards, this law outlines banks’ responsibilities when handling unauthorized transactions.

What to Do Immediately After Discovering Credit Card Fraud

Act quickly with these steps:

Contact Your Issuer
Report the fraud and request a replacement card.
Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report
Contact one credit bureau they’ll notify the others.
Review Your Credit Reports Thoroughly
Look for unauthorized accounts or inquiries.
File a Report with the FTC
Go to identity theft. gov to create an identity theft affidavit.

Double Charges and Legal Rights

Sometimes the fraud is subtle such as being double charged for a transaction. If your credit card issuer double charged you and refuses to fix it, you may have grounds for legal action.

Under the FCBA, you have the right to dispute duplicate charges and recover not only the money lost but also damages if the company acted in bad faith.

Local Searches: Credit Card Fraud Legal Help

When searching for help, consumers often look for:

“credit card fraud legal help in California”
“credit card fraud attorney near me”
“unauthorized credit card charge dispute lawyer”

A local lawyer understands your state’s laws and knows how to work with regional courts, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Cost of Hiring a Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

Many people hesitate to get legal help due to cost concerns. But most credit card fraud lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

You pay nothing upfront
They only get paid if you win
Under FCRA/FCBA, the defendant may be required to cover your legal fees
You can often get started with a free consultation.

Real Case Example

A woman in Florida lost 200 credit points when a hacker opened a credit line in her name. Despite months of disputes with the credit bureaus, the entry remained. She hired a consumer protection attorney for credit card fraud, who filed a lawsuit. Within 90 days, her score was restored and she was awarded $40,000 for emotional distress, legal costs, and loss of a mortgage opportunity.

How Long Does Credit Restoration Take?

Depending on the complexity:

Simple disputes: 30–60 days
Moderate issues: 60–90 days
Litigated cases: 90+ days

A credit card fraud lawyer will push for resolution as fast as the law allows and protect your rights if things escalate.

Conclusion

If credit card fraud ruined your score, you’re not alone but you don’t have to face the recovery process without help. A skilled credit card fraud lawyer can be your best ally, offering legal strategies that not only remove fraudulent entries but also help you claim damages and protect your future credit health.

Whether you’re battling false charges, unauthorized accounts, or stubborn credit bureaus, legal support can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the first step if I see unauthorized charges?

Report them immediately to your issuer and request a new card.

Q2: Do I need a lawyer for credit card fraud?

Not always, but a credit card fraud lawyer significantly improves your chances of getting fraudulent charges removed and recovering damages.

Q3: How do I check if my credit was affected?

Use AnnualCreditReport.com to view your report and look for unrecognized entries or dropped scores.

Q4: Can I sue a credit bureau for not fixing my credit report?

Yes. If they ignore your valid dispute, you can sue under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Q5: What if I was double charged?

You have rights under the FCBA. A lawyer can help you file a formal dispute and, if needed, pursue legal action.

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