How much am I liable for if my debit card is stolen?

The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) offer protection if your credit, ATM, or debit cards are lost or stolen. Under the FCBA, your liability for unauthorized use of your credit card tops out at $50.

What to do if you know who stole your debit card?

The most critical step is to contact your bank—immediately. Let them know that your debit card has been stolen or that you suspect fraudulent use of your card number. The sooner you do this, the more you limit your risk.

What happens if someone uses your lost debit card?

The unauthorized use of your debit card can deplete your bank account and expose you to identity theft. If your card is lost or stolen, you can limit or eliminate your losses and prevent others from damaging your credit, but you have to act promptly by reporting the misuse of your card.

What happens if I report my debit card stolen?

If you report your card stolen before any fraud takes place, you generally won’t be liable for unauthorized charges. Under federal law, if you do so within two business days of fraud taking place, you can be held liable for up to $50 in fraudulent charges.

What should I do if I see fraudulent charges on my debit card?

In addition to also letting your bank know about the fraud, you can report the incident to the FTC. If you see what appear to be fraudulent charges on your debit card statement, your card gets stolen or you’re concerned someone has the card, you should contact your bank right away.

What should I do if someone steals my credit card?

Unscrupulous restaurant employees could steal your information, then hand the card back to you. Never reveal your PIN number to anyone, even trusted friends and relatives. Check your bank accounts online frequently – even on a daily basis. That way, you can notify your bank immediately if there’s a suspicious transaction.

Can a bank be held liable for unauthorized charges on a debit card?

Some debit cards have their own policies in which you may not be held liable for any unauthorized charges, provided you notify the bank promptly. No matter the policy, it’s best to contact the bank as soon as you can so it can stop any additional fraudulent charges, begin its investigation and issue you a new debit card.

What does it mean when someone steals your debit card?

If you keep tabs on your bank account and check your transactions regularly, you may one day see signs of an unauthorized transaction on your debit card. Usually, this means that someone has stolen your debit card or they have somehow skimmed the number and have access to your checking account .

What should I do if my Visa card has been stolen?

Wherever you are, operators are standing by. A Visa representative will deactivate your credit or debit card and then notify your bank immediately. In the event that your card was stolen, this swift reporting may help prevent fraudulent use of your card.

What happens if your credit card Number is stolen?

Your liability for unauthorized use of a credit card is much lower. Under some circumstances, you can be held liable for $50. If your number is stolen, but not the card, your liability is zero. If you report a lost or stolen card before it’s used by anyone else, your liability is zero.

What happens if you are the victim of credit card fraud?

It’s important to understand that both can be the victim of fraud, and they work quite differently. Reported unauthorized charges on a debit card can be reversed if you notify your bank within two days of learning of the theft, but you may still be responsible for up to $50 of the amount you lost. Fortunately, some banks will waive this liability.