How to Report Check Card Fraud
Check cards are a convenient way to make purchases without having to use cash or enter your PIN. They work like credit cards at the register or online checkouts, but the money gets taken directly our of your bank account. However, check cards are also subject to theft because of their ease of use. In-person purchases usually only require an quick swipe and, sometimes, a scribbled signature. Online, thieves just need the account number, expiration date and, for some cards, the three-digit card verification value number from the back of the card to make fraudulent purchases.
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Instructions
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Call your bank or go the branch in person. Notify a representative that your card was lost, stolen or otherwise compromised and someone made charges on your account without your consent.
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Give the bank representative your name and account number. You will also likely have to give the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Tell the representative the date your card was lost, where you think it lost or stolen from, the dates of the fraudulent charges and the amounts. They will be able to look up your account history to verify the charges and determine when and where they were made.
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Request a fraud notification document if your bank requires one to investigate the charges. The form requires much of the same information you gave the representative. If you do not have to fill out a fraud notification form, the representative will simply take your information and initiate an investigation.
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Wait up to 30 days to get the results of the investigation. If the bank finds you did not make the charges, it will put the money back into your account, minus any amount for which it finds you liable. If the bank does not find evidence of fraud, you can appeal the decision and provide more evidence, such as receipts, shipping addresses or other documentation that show you did not make the charges.
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Tips & Warnings
If you notify your bank of the fraud within two days, federal law states you will only be liable for up to $50 of fraudulent charges. However, if you wait longer than two days to report it, you will be responsible for up to $500.
