Could someone take those credit cards that are sent to you preapproved & use them themself?

Question

Sometimes credit card companies send you a preapproved card & all you need to do is call the 800# & punch in the account number on the card to activate it, they are usually automated & dont require any info like social, or birth date or anything...my question is, couldnt someone just snatch that right out of the garbage, activate it themself & use it?

Answer 1

They have to be activated from your home phone number. However, credit card companies are not allowed to send unrequested credit cards anymore.

You do get all kinds of offers for credit cards. It is rather common for someone else to submit these applications and get the credit cards. It's called ID theft. My brother's roommate just got caught pulling this stunt.

You can opt out of receiving those pre-approved offers. Check here: https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t

Answer 2

When you dial that number, they know what number you dial from. If it isn't the number of the person whose name is on the card, a human will come on the line and ask questions, or they might tell you to call from your home phone number. In any case,if you get a credit card in the mail and you don't want it, cut it up before you throw it away.

Answer 3

Yes. Do not put the card in the garbage intact. Instead, break it into two pieces and put one in the garbage at home and one in the garbage at work. It is unlikely that someone will find both pieces and match them together.

Answer 4

No one gets an unsolicited credit card in the mail anymore. You can get solicited for an account. I take the envelope without opening it, and shred it.

Answer 5

It's not that easy but you should do as i do. Take a lighter and burn them in the kitchen sink and wash them down the drain.