Identity theft vs. unauthorized activity
There are two common scenarios:
Identity theft: Someone opened a Chime account using your personal information without your permission
Unauthorized activity: Someone accessed an account you opened and made changes or transactions
These situations are handled differently.
If someone opened an account in your name
If a Chime account was opened without your permission, this is considered identity theft.
After you report it:
We may request documentation to support the investigation
If confirmed, you won’t be responsible for activity on that account
The account cannot be reopened
If you want to open your own Chime account later, additional verification steps may be required.
If your account may be compromised
Unauthorized activity happens when someone gains access to your account.
Signs this may have happened include:
You can’t log in or your password no longer works
Your email address or phone number was changed without your permission
You see transactions or activity you don’t recognize
You receive alerts for actions you didn’t take
How to protect your account
Take these steps to help keep your account secure:
Keep your information secure
Use a strong, unique password and update it regularly
Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts
Protect the email linked to your Chime account with a strong password
Don’t share your login details or verification codes with anyone
Keep your phone number and email on your account up to date
Monitor your account
Turn on account alerts
Review your transactions regularly
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Protect your card
Freeze your card to stop new transactions if needed.
Go to How do I enable or disable transactions on my card? for the steps.
Review any suspicious charges promptly
What happens after you report identity theft or unauthorized activity
If identity theft is confirmed, we’ll take steps based on your situation, which may include:
Helping protect your information and prevent further unauthorized activity
Reviewing any unauthorized transactions involving Chime
Providing guidance if other accounts may be affected
We’ll contact you by email if we need more information or when the review is complete. Chime will never call or text you without your authorization, and we will only ask for a code when you contact us.