PRISM/CBSD: what does it mean on my credit report?

I also received an alert from my credit monotoring company after a new account was recently opened, and after reviewing my report and spending 4 hours on the phone, I also could not find a phone number for Citibank or Prism on the Web. I did call Citicards because I do in fact have a CC with Citi but they are located in a different area other than Hagerstown, MD which is the address that appeared on my report and of course no number listed. By calling the number I did have in Souix Falls, where I have an active account they did not show any new account. Only after coming to this page and reading the stories of others did I finally get this new account closed. I also called the number listed above 866-510-2761 and spoke to a rep who told me that anyone who had a Macy's inactive card were sent notice several months back to activate their Macy's card again and if there was no response CitiBanl/prism automatically issued a new card under CitiBank/Prism and mailed these out. The problem becomes they are using old information on file from years ago and if you have moved or your marital status has changed, but also because of Hurricane Katrina .. you will not receive anything in the mail, as I did not. Hope this helps it dd for me.

Appears to be a common theme. Reading the above/previous comments - generally people who have a credit monitoring service did receive notification of activity in their name. My initial concerns are tempered somewhat by the responses, though I too am disturbed by the apparent action of a Citibank affiliate without my authorization.

I received two alerts this week from my credit monitoring service stating that credit had been opened in my name. I have had to run two new credit reports to dipute the information. It has taken over five hours of my time just calling to find out what was going on. I thought my identity had been stolen. No finally says the rep. for Citibank, it turns out that they have purchased innactive Macy's accounts and decided to upgrade them (she said gleefully) to their Mastercard. This was all done with out my knowledge or consent. I was told that although not very nice perfectly legal. The rep. told me to call my U.S. Attorney Generals office. I did just that. I have lodged complaints with them and the Comprtollers office and the Federal Trade Com. all of which told me that what they are doing may be legal but it is wrong. I hope that everyone who has had this happen to them this week will contact those agencies and report them. I personally will not ever do business with Citibank,Prism or Macy's again.

I got three alerts from my Privacy Assist about a credit card opened with my information with the three companies shown in the subject. In my credit report these companies do not show any phone number.I called the three credit bureaus and place an alert for 90 days and submitted a dispute. I received my credit reports from Trans Union showing only one credit card opened with CCSMC Spectrum and a phone number. I called today and it happens that it's Citibank. The representative explained to me that Macy's transferred its cardholders to Citibank. I did not know about it. I cancelled the card and they will send me a letter confirming the cancellation.

I called the number that was previously posted and they ended up transferring me to the area that deals with cards of this nature. These cards belong to a retail branch of Citibank (radio shack, macy's, etc..) and you can contact them at 866-510-2761

I also received this e mail. i called the number above 1-866-510-2761 and was told my Macy's card was conveniently upgraded for me. I do not know why they do this. I don't even use that card. I am glad I have equifax to keep me aware of this stuff.

I also recieved notice via e-mail from my credit monitoring service that a credit card with Prism/CBSD had been opened in my name with the same numbers as the above message with a $9000 limit. I had no idea what that was. After 2 hours of research I finally found the customer service # 1-866-510-2761 and they told me the same thing, that they had opened an old account which I had with Robinson May and I never did have a Macy's card but Macy's gave the info to Citibank Master card and they opened it without my knowledge or consent. I think this is fradulant and I told them to close it immediately. I am very disgusted they they would waste our time and emotions with this.

Macy's Credit took over a bunch of stores and are issuing new cards - Macy's number is 1-888-257-5947

Citi bank told me it is MACY's cards being actived
into mastercards on your report.

I also recieved notice via e-mail from my credit monitoring service that a credit card with Prism/CBSD had been opened in my name no accoutn numbers were given. I had nto opened any new accounts and was very concerned so immediately put a Fraud alert on my credit report. After 2 hours of research I finally found the customer service # 1-866-510-2761 and they told me that Citbank was taking over a lot of old accounts from Home Depot, Radio Shack and Macy's. I have not had an account with either of them for well over 8 years. The rep told me that I should have recieved letter stating that I could "opt out" (which I never recieved)..pardon my language but what a "crock" I am at a different address than I was 8 years ago and I never recieved such a letter. On top of that, why would I open junk mail that I was not interested in. They opened this account without my knowledge or consent. I think this is fradulant but because I do not have the account number they told me I could not close the account without giving them my soc sec number. Now why would I want to give a company that works like this my soc sec number. I do not appreciate them putting things on my credit report that I did not authorize. AND I cannot even get a person to talk to at the Credit Reporting agency to have them remove this from my record. I am furious. I feel like sing CitiBank for undue stress and for my time. Putting an alert on my credit report protects me some, but also means that if I should want to obtain any new credit in the near future, I will have to "jump through hoops" to get it. My other concern is that there may be cards floating around out there that I never recieved. Also, does citibank charge an annual fee for these cards - if I am charged for anything I will take them to court - I do not care how big a company they are. This is wrong. I am very disgusted that they have wasted our time and emotions with this. I will be sending a letter to the Executives at Citibank and recommend that you do so also. below is the address and of course they only give us a PO box
PRISM Residential Communications, Citibank
PO Box 9058
Gray, Tennessee 37615

I am also going to report them to the Better Business Bureau. In these times of high identity theft, I am appalled that a large company like this would put us at risk. They are evil and twisted and I am mad and shocked that they can get away with such behavior.

Had a NEW account appear on the credit reports. I think it may be from an old Bullocks/Macys account. The NEW account shows that I opened it 09/07,but my OLD Bullocks/Macys acoount was opened over 25 years ago. I was never told about this chage. I guess our credit scores don't mean much to the banks UNLESS they want to raise our rates.

It gets worse each day. Now I have three alerts from my credit bureau. They opened one 9/1 at citibank, which I called on and was told the same "Macy's" story. I cancelled that account, which had a number attached to the credit report. Then on 9/20 a PRISM/CBSD showed up. Can't get the number on it and won't give my SS number. Then today 9/29 there is a third one CCSMC SPECTRUM/CBSD. Once again, no number. Has anyone found a way to stop this. I am mad as hell to have to spend my time fixing this and do not like the vulnerability of such an infringement on my personal information. I can't believe it isn't illegal to do such a thing.

Same happened to me!

Would I lose out on my credit score if I cancel it right away or should I keep it open for a while?

Prism/CBSD is a Citibank account. Citibank appearently purchase up closed accounts such as Macy's and Goodyear. Then they send you a letter that looks like a credit card offer (so most people wont open it) where they state unless you reply within a certain number of weeks and tell them that you don't want a Citibank account, they will send you a credit card and an account opened in your name.

They claim this to be legal. But it is not! Silence by customer is never acceptance. This is a fraudulent act by Citibank in order to try to increase business. They have no right to open a new account without your conscent.

Ccsmc Spectrum/Cbsb Credit Card, this may be Macy's too. Opened 9/07, no account number (not even the last four digits), no phone number, only PO Box 6003, Hagerstown, MD 21747, still trying to find information. Lowered my credit score also. UGH!

@ MeToo

I bet it is Macy's! Call the toll free number a few posts up and they can confirm it!