@Anonymous wrote:
Recently I've become a victim of identity theft from a family member. I received an American Express Everyday card in the mail and thoughtlessly activated it thinking it was a targeted offer. After signing up for the account and looking through the account information, I noticed that the phone number and e-mail address did not match anything I had. I had already used the card and paid the balance off at this point. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I changed the incorrect information under the assumption that the family member was now locked out of the account. I looked through the online account and did not see any additional users.
However, I'm worried there might be a back door I'm not aware of that they could use. Should I contact American Express and have them close the account? Will they allow me to open a new one and send me a replacement card?
I had the same thing happen a decade ago, except with Chase. Chase gave me the option of keeping the account open and just reissuing the card with new account numbers, but I opted to close it since I figured I'd never really stop being spooked and worried that the relative who did it would find a way back in somehow. So you could really go either way. Definitely freeze your credit reports, or at the very least sign up for alerts so you'll be aware if it happens again.
In your shoes, I might just contact Amex and explain that you've been the victim of identify theft and have them reissue the card and monitor the account accordingly.
