Is it illegal to be sent a credit card that you have not requested? I live in Massachusetts.?

Question

I need actual sources if possible. Thanks

Answer 1

AnOrdinaryGuy and bdancer are correct - it is illegal

It violates the United States Code (U.S.C)
Specifically:
15 U.S.C. §1642
No credit card shall be issued except in response to a request or application therefor.


If it was not a credit card that you had applied for or a replacement card for an existing account that you have or had at one time then file complaints with the FTC, your AG and the credit card company's AG.

There could be a good possibility that your state also has statues concerning it, I have not looked at them for it though.


(p.s. I think the first poster must have been on the sauce lol)

edit for the poster below me -
There was a class action lawsuit against First USA Bank for the very reason of sending unsolicited credit cards - It does happen.

Answer 2

I work for a bank. I heard this a lot about people said they never applied for the card. Here are some of possible reasons that you did or agree to receive a card.
1- You filled out an application at the ball game or the local fair just to get a blanket or Shirt
2- You already have an existing card with a credit card company years ago but it sold to a different company now. The new company sends you a card that you don't recognize.
3-The card that you had but you didn't use it often, it expired. A new card is issued.

Credit card companies don't just randomly send customers cards if there is no application or some kind of authorization to back them up. You can ask them to send you an original application. It only takes less than 30 second to retrieve this inf. It costs the company money to send out cards and maintain them even if you don't use. My company will close the account if the customers haven't used the account for a period of time.

If someone stole your ID, the card wouldn't go to your address. You can call and provide the credit card some info so they can close the account for you. Don't just say I never applied and want you to stop sending cards to me. They need some info to go by otherwise, you will continue to receive other offers or new card in the mail. I had customer refused to give me any information and wanted me to close the account. That's impossible for me to do because I have no idea who's calling me. We don't read mind.

Answer 3

Yes, it is illegal for credit card companies to mail out unsolicited cards. I'm amazed that so many folks responded that they "get them all the time".

If you have received an unsolicited credit card, write a letter indicating you did not request the card and the account should be closed immediately. Ask for written confirmation that the account is closed. Send the letter via certified mail/return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the confirmation with your important papers.

It could be that someone else filled out an application using your info. Check your credit reports for any other activity.

Answer 4

I don't believe so.

Credit card companies like to send out unsolicited cards or applications all the time because there are people out there that will get all excited about a new line of credit and will actually activate the card and use it without reading the fine print.

I know for me, my bank sent me a credit card that I didn't request when I took out a mortgage and I live in MA. I simply called them and asked them to close the account because I wasn't interested in it.

Answer 5

It is not illegal to receive it, but to use it is. If it has your name on it contact the credit card company and ask them what to do, same if it is someone else's card. I would just send it back if possible or shred it if not, it is not illegal it was through no fault of your own. I'm looking for sources now but cannot find any, I'll keep on looking and post later, hope this helps.

Jennifer

Answer 6

I don't think it is illegal. I wish it were. I have received them to here in Az. are they just offers that you have to call to activate? if not You may want to contact the credit company someone may be trying identity theft.

Answer 7

It is not illegal although it should be with all increasing identity theft. Check this website for helpful tips:

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Deal-With-Unsolicited-Credit-Card-Offers&id=561901

Answer 8

Yes, it is. Go to www.ftc.gov/consumer.

Answer 9

what type of sauses do you want? try the recipe room? ;O)