Report to Your Bank or Credit Card Company
Last updated March 17, 2026
The short answer
Dispute fraudulent charges, request chargebacks, and freeze compromised accounts
If a scammer charged your credit card or drained your bank account, contact your bank or credit card company right away. You have legal rights that protect you from unauthorized charges. Acting fast gives you the best chance of getting your money back.
What they handle
- Unauthorized charges on your credit or debit card
- Charges for goods or services you never received
- Charges from merchants who misrepresented what they were selling
- Recurring charges you did not agree to
- Compromised account numbers or stolen card information
How to file a report
- 1
Call the number on the back of your card immediately
Tell them you want to dispute a charge or report fraud. Most banks have 24/7 fraud lines. The sooner you call, the better your chances.
- 2
Ask them to freeze or replace your card
If your card number was stolen, ask for a new card with a new number right away. This stops any future charges.
- 3
File a formal dispute in writing
Most banks let you do this online or through their app. Include the date, amount, and merchant name for each charge you are disputing.
- 4
Send supporting documents
Attach screenshots of scam communications, confirmation emails, or anything that shows the charges were fraudulent.
- 5
Follow up and track your case
Ask for a case number. Your bank must acknowledge your dispute within 30 days and resolve it within two billing cycles (usually 60 days) for credit cards.
What you'll need
- The dates and amounts of the fraudulent charges
- The merchant name as it appears on your statement
- A description of what happened and why the charges are fraudulent
- Screenshots or records of any communication with the scammer
- A police report, if you have one (not always required, but helps)
What to expect
For credit cards, the Fair Credit Billing Act limits your liability to $50 for unauthorized charges, and most banks waive even that. You generally have 60 days from the statement date to dispute a charge. Debit cards have less protection, and the clock is not the one people expect. If you report a lost or stolen card within two business days of learning it is gone, your liability is capped at $50. Beyond two business days it rises to $500. And if unauthorized transfers show up on a statement and you do not report them within 60 days of that statement being sent, the law stops capping your losses on anything that happens after that window. This is why acting fast matters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a dispute and a chargeback?
A dispute is when you tell your bank a charge is wrong. A chargeback is the process where the bank reverses the charge and pulls the money back from the merchant. When you file a dispute, the bank investigates and may issue a chargeback on your behalf.
Are debit cards protected the same as credit cards?
No. Credit cards have stronger protections under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Your liability is capped at $50 for unauthorized charges, and most banks waive that entirely. Debit cards have shorter windows and higher potential liability under Regulation E: $50 if you report a lost or stolen card within two business days of finding out, $500 beyond that, and no cap at all on unauthorized transfers you leave unreported for more than 60 days after the statement showing them was sent.
What if my bank denies my dispute?
You can ask for the denial in writing and appeal the decision. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. If the charge was on a credit card, you have the right to see the evidence the bank used to deny your claim.
Company guides this covers
Reporting works better when you know which scam you were hit by. These are the company guides this reporting route covers.