debit card fraud question...?

Question

if you've been a victim of debit card fraud, how successful have you been in recovering your money? someone did this using my debit card number (about $150) and i'm not sure how long it will take to get my money back or if i will get it back at all. i cancelled the card and contacted my bank and everything but i'm just wondering how likely it is to get everything back.
agh, how do people even get this information? i rarely used this card number online...

Answer 1

Rarely could have been enough....

But your number was most likely skimmed by a waitress at a restaurant, or stolen at some other time in real life.... not online.

Most banks will give the money back immediately, pending the outcome of the investigation. Depending on where the fraud happened, how your credit card was used (number only, scanned, etc), all effect your chances.

Also, some merchants have a merchant contract that makes them automatically LOSE all disputes. Meaning you ALWAYS win, no questions asked.... but it all depends on the merchant.

I have disputed a handful of charges over the past 10 years (maybe 3 tops) and I won them all.

Answer 2

I was a victim of credit card fraud last week. In less than a week someone has spent nearly £1000 on the card. I'm still trying to sort it out. I've never used the card in a cash machine or shop. I have only used it online on 3 websites which are supposed to be secure. I wish I knew how they get card details. I just don't feel at all confident using a credit card now

Answer 3

to add to Mike's response ...


in future, always use credit cards -- online and in person.

With a credit card, the bank legally steps into the position of the merchant and every defense you have against the merchant is effective against the bank.

This means that unauthorized charges aren't your problem they are the bank's problem [they hold the merchant's bank liable under the interbank agreement and the merchant's bank holds the merchant liable].

With debit cards, you do no have this same level of protection. A dishonest clerk can record your card number and even the PIN code [with an electronic device] and later process a charge for a larger amount and put the goods into his or her own car.

When you protest, the clerk lies and claims you came back later and bought the item you had been looking at earlier. Absent proof that you were somewhere else at that minute [or an instore video showing your absence], the situation is "he said, she said" and the bank isn't liable for that because they do not step into the merchant's shoes with debit cards.

:-(

Answer 4

It depends on your bank. Bank of America will give your money back within 48 hours.