How do I get my money back after I discover an unauthorized transaction or money missing from my bank account? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

Once you notify your bank or credit union, it generally has ten business days to investigate the issue (20 business days if the account has been open less than 30 days). The bank or credit union must correct an error within one business day after determining that an error has occurred. Your bank or credit union then has three business days to report its findings to you. After that, you have the right to request the information it used to make their decision, and the bank or credit union has to send it to you promptly.

If the bank or credit union can’t complete its investigation within ten (or 20) business days as applicable, it must generally issue a temporary credit to your account for the amount of the disputed transaction, minus a maximum of $50, while it continues to investigate.

In some situations, however, your bank or credit union does not have to issue a temporary credit. For example, it can require you to provide written confirmation of the error if you initially provided the information by telephone. If you are asked to follow up in writing and you do not do so within ten business days, the bank or credit union is not required to temporarily credit your account during its investigation.

The bank or credit union must then resolve the issue in 45 days, unless the disputed transactions were conducted in a foreign country, were conducted within 30 days of account opening, or were debit card point-of-sale purchases. In those cases, you may have to wait as long as 90 days for the issue to be fully resolved.

If the bank or credit union determines that the transactions were in fact authorized, it must provide you with written notice before taking the money that was credited to you during the investigation out of your account.

How do I get my money back after I discover an unauthorized transaction or money missing from my bank account? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

How do I get my money back after I discover an unauthorized transaction or money missing from my bank account? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

Once you notify your bank or credit union about an unauthorized transaction (that is, a charge or withdrawal you didn't make or allow), it generally has ten business days to investigate the issue. The bank or credit union must correct an error within one business day after determining that an error has occurred.

How do I get my money back after I discovered an unauthorized transaction or money missing from my bank account? ›

Step 1. Call the bank's fraud division…now!
  1. The sooner you contact the bank the better. ...
  2. No transactions occurred yet—no loss of funds.
  3. Within the first 2 days—loss limit of $50.
  4. Between 3 and 60 days—loss limit may be up to $500.
  5. Once you contact the bank or credit union, it usually has 10 days to investigate your claim.

Do banks refund unauthorised transactions? ›

Within 3 days: According to the apex bank of India, if you, as a customer, report any incident of a fraudulent transaction within 3 days of the incident, then you will bear zero liability for it. As a result, the total amount will be refunded to your respective bank account.

Do banks actually investigate unauthorized transactions? ›

Banks, therefore, employ comprehensive investigation procedures to combat fraud, protect their customers, and preserve their own credibility.

How do I reverse an unauthorized transaction? ›

Contact your bank and tell them it was an unauthorized debit or withdrawal. Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back. Did you pay with a gift card? Contact the company that issued the gift card.

How long will a bank refund an unauthorised transaction? ›

The bank must provide a provisional credit to your account within 10 days, and it has up to 45 days to complete the investigation. If the bank determines that the charge was fraudulent, it must refund your money and remove the charge from your account [*].

What do I do if I get unauthorized money from my bank account? ›

Contact your bank or card provider to alert them. Reporting is an important first step to getting your money back, and you could be liable for all money lost before you report it. If you've been targeted, even if you don't fall victim, you can report it to Action Fraud.

Who pays for unauthorized transactions? ›

The bank that issues the credit card will cover most credit card fraud issues, but sometimes the bank rules that it is merchant credit card fraud, making the merchant responsible. Small business owners using outdated swipe payment terminals may have to make up for the difference.

Can a successful bank transaction be reversed? ›

If a transaction was made in error, such as a duplicate charge or an unauthorized transaction, the bank can generally reverse the transaction and restore the funds to the account. he process for reversing a transaction can vary depending on the type of transaction, the amount involved, and the timing of the request.

Can you sue a bank for not refunding your money? ›

You Have A Right To Sue Any Bank That Unlawfully Keeps Your Money, Or Who Fails to Follow Your Instructions For Disbursing It. Banks owe you a duty to only give out funds that you authorize, and to only give out funds in the manner that you instruct them.

Can a bank reverse a transaction if scammed? ›

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act of 1974, all payment card issuers must offer a chargeback process to remedy fraud and abuse. If a customer brings a valid dispute claim to their bank, a chargeback will result.

Can banks find out who used your card? ›

Can You Track Someone Who Used Your Credit Card Online? No. However, if you report the fraud in a timely manner, the bank or card issuer will open an investigation. Banks have a system for investigating credit card fraud, including some standard procedures.

How to dispute a transaction on Discover app? ›

Initiate a dispute online or by phone

To dispute a credit card charge with Discover online, log into your account and go to the "Activity and Statement" page under the "Activity" dropdown at the top of the page. From there, select the transaction or transactions you want to dispute and click "Dispute This Charge."

Can you get money back once transferred? ›

Contact your bank and let them know about the accidental payment and it will arrange for the money to be returned. Can I reverse a bank transfer - or can my bank? Online payments, like Faster Payments, transfer money in real-time. Once a payment has been made, you can't stop or reverse it.

Can you recover funds after being scammed? ›

To recover money sent to a scammer, promptly contact your bank, report the scam to law enforcement and regulatory bodies, file a complaint with the FTC, monitor financial accounts, and consider seeking legal advice.

How do I recover money from a bank transfer? ›

Seek Assistance from Your Bank: Contact your bank and inform them about the wrong transaction. Provide them with all the necessary details and documentation. They can help initiate the chargeback process to recover the transferred funds.

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