How to Report a Lost or Stolen Debit Card

Act quickly to report lost or stolen credit or debit cards.

Need to report a lost of stolen debit card? Credit card fraud can be implemented in a matter of seconds. Your bank account could be drained before you even notice that your card is missing. Report the loss or theft of your credit, ATM or debit cards to the card issuer as soon as possible. Most companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.

Instructions

1. Call your local bank branch, and check if there have been any recent purchases on your card. Many fraudulent purchases are made within the first 24 hours. In addition, you'll want to act quickly because your maximum liability under the Fair Credit Billing Act for unauthorized use of your credit card is $50. If you report the loss before your credit card is used, the card issuer cannot hold you responsible for any unauthorized charges. If a thief uses your cards before you report them missing, the most you will owe for unauthorized charges is $50 per card. Also, if the loss involves your credit card number, but not the card itself, you have no liability for unauthorized use.

2. Ask your bank cancel the card and issue you a new one. Some banks will issue you a temporary card while your new card is being activated and mailed to you.

3. Report any fraudulent charges made on your account to your bank.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow up your phone call to the card issuer with a letter. Include your account number, when you noticed your card was missing and the date you reported the loss, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

• Check your homeowner's insurance policy to see if it covers your liability for card thefts.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: Credit, ATM and Debit Cards: What To Do if They're Lost or Stolen

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish