Unauthorized charges on your card must be disputed quickly — and federal law is on your side.
Prepare
Enable transaction alerts on all cards — most issuers offer instant push notifications or texts for every charge. You cannot dispute what you don't notice.
Know your card issuer's fraud reporting number — it's on the back of your card and on the issuer's app. Save it in your phone.
Keep a list of all active cards and their issuers somewhere secure — you may need to cancel and reissue multiple cards quickly.
Prevent
Never use a debit card online — credit cards have stronger fraud protections and your bank account balance is not directly at risk.
Use virtual card numbers for online purchases when your issuer offers them (many do — check your card's app).
Do not save card numbers on retail websites unless necessary.
Check for card skimmers at gas pumps and ATMs — wiggle the card reader before inserting your card.
Regularly review your statements — at least monthly.
Respond
Report the fraud to your card issuer immediately — call the number on the back of your card or use the app. They will cancel the card and issue a new one.
Request a chargeback for all unauthorized transactions — under the Fair Credit Billing Act, your liability for credit card fraud is capped at $50 (and most issuers charge $0).
Review recent transactions carefully — sometimes fraudsters make small test charges ($1–$5) before larger ones.
Update any recurring payments linked to the compromised card number once your new card arrives.
Check your other accounts — if one card is compromised, it may indicate a broader breach of your email or saved passwords. Change passwords on any accounts that had that card saved.
Debit card fraud has weaker protections: report within 2 days to limit liability to $50; after 60 days you may be liable for the full amount.
Resources
Your card issuer's fraud line — on the back of your card