Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte warns consumers of a recent business practice brought to the attention of the Consumer Protection Bureau by numerous consumers who have called the Consumer Hotline or filed written complaints. A major credit card company is providing former customers of a major department store with an unsolicited ready-to-activate credit card. The credit card company claims they prefaced the actual mailing of these cards with a letter explaining that they had acquired the department store’s credit card business last year. Some of the consumers who received the new, unsolicited card, had not used their department store credit card for a period of years and felt this was an attempt by the credit card company to solicit business. There was a provision that if the unsolicited card was not used within two weeks, that the card would be automatically cancelled. There was also an “opt out” telephone number listed in the letter accompanying the unsolicited credit card. The credit card company says proper safeguards were followed and feels customers are afforded an opportunity to decline the card and remain with their original store card.

Many people discard credit card offers as ‘junk’ mail without shredding them and sometimes without even opening them. “To adequately protect yourself against identity fraud and the possibility of someone ruining your credit rating, be alert for these types of offers, read them and shred all such offers when you discard them,” Attorney General Ayotte said. “As with any contract, review all of the terms and conditions of a credit card agreement to ensure they are what you want and what you can abide by. Many offers may appear to be a good deal on the surface but end up being costly to the consumer. Don’t jump at an offer without thoroughly researching what you’re getting into.”

If New Hampshire consumers have any questions or wish additional information, they can visit the Bureau’s website at www.doj.nh.gov/consumer or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454 (toll free).