Report fraud to your card issuer first, then to the Federal Trade Commission
When you spot unauthorized charges on your credit card, call your card issuer's fraud line when ready — the number is on the back of your card or your statement. Tell them which charges are not yours. Your bank will freeze the card, reverse the fraudulent charges, and send you a new card. This step protects you from liability and stops the fraud from spreading.
After your bank handles the charges, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record that helps law enforcement track fraud patterns and protects you if the thief opens accounts in your name later. The FTC report takes about 10 minutes and generates a recovery plan you can use with creditors.
You do not need to choose between these two steps — do both. Your bank stops the when ready damage; the FTC report protects you against future identity theft.
Key Takeaways
- Call your card issuer's fraud line as soon as you notice unauthorized charges; the number is on your card or statement.
- Your bank will reverse fraudulent charges and send a replacement card, usually within 5 to 10 business days.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov to create an official record and get a recovery plan.
- You are not liable for fraudulent charges reported within 60 days, even if you delay calling your bank.
- Keep records of every call, confirmation number, and document you send to your bank and the FTC.
What to say when you call your bank's fraud line
Have your card in front of you and a list of the charges you do not recognize. When the fraud department answers, give them your name, card number, and the date you discovered the fraud. Then list each unauthorized charge: the amount, the merchant name, and the date it posted.
The fraud specialist will ask whether you lost the card, whether someone had access to it, or whether you think your card number was stolen online. Answer honestly — this helps them understand how the fraud happened and whether other accounts might be at risk. They will also ask you to confirm recent legitimate charges to prove you know your own spending.
At the end of the call, ask for a confirmation number and the name of the person you spoke with. Write these down. Ask when your replacement card will arrive and whether they can expedite it. Most banks send a new card within 5 to 10 business days, but some offer overnight delivery for fraud cases.
How the Federal Trade Commission report works
Go to IdentityTheft.gov and click "Report Identity Theft." You will answer questions about what happened: whether it was credit card fraud, new accounts opened in your name, or both. The FTC asks for details like the date you discovered the fraud and the name of the card issuer.
When you finish, the FTC generates an Identity Theft Report and a personalized recovery plan. The report is a legal document you can show to creditors, collection agencies, and police. It tells them you reported the fraud officially and that you are a victim, not someone who opened the accounts themselves.
The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but your report feeds into their database. They use patterns from thousands of reports to identify fraud rings and share information with law enforcement and the card networks.
Protecting yourself from liability
Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized credit card charges to $50, and most card issuers waive even that if you report the fraud within 60 days. Your bank's fraud department will confirm this limit when you call. You are not responsible for charges you report, even if you wait a few weeks to notice them.
Debit cards have different rules — you have 48 hours to report fraud to avoid liability for all unauthorized charges, and 60 days to report and limit your loss to $500. If you are unsure whether a card is credit or debit, check your statement or call your bank.
Keep copies of every email, letter, and confirmation number from your bank and the FTC. If a charge reappears or a creditor tries to collect on a fraudulent account, you will need proof that you reported it.
What to do if the fraud involves more than one card
If multiple cards were compromised, call each card issuer's fraud line separately. Each bank handles its own cards and needs to reverse its own charges. Do not assume one call covers all your accounts.
After calling each bank, file one FTC report that lists all the fraudulent cards and accounts. You can add details about each card in the same report — you do not need to file five separate reports. The FTC report will note that multiple cards were affected, which signals to creditors that this is organized fraud, not a single mistake.
If you think someone has your Social Security number or personal information, check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Reporting fraud to police and credit bureaus
You do not have to file a police report for credit card fraud, but doing so creates another official record. If the fraud is part of a larger identity theft scheme, a police report helps. Go to your local police department's website or visit in person and ask to file a report for identity theft or fraud. Bring your FTC Identity Theft Report with you — many departments accept it as proof.
Send a copy of your FTC report to each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Include a letter explaining the fraud and asking them to flag your account. The bureaus will add a fraud alert to your credit file, which tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts.
You can also request a credit freeze, which locks your credit file so no one can open new accounts without your permission. Freezes are free and take about 15 minutes to set up online or by phone with each bureau.
Monitoring your accounts after fraud
Check your credit card and bank statements every week for the next three months, not just once a month. Fraudsters sometimes test stolen card numbers with small charges to see if they work before making larger purchases. Catching these early stops the pattern.
Review your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com every few months for the next year. Look for accounts you did not open, inquiries from lenders you did not contact, or addresses that are not yours. If you spot anything suspicious, contact the credit bureau when ready and file another FTC report.
Consider signing up for credit monitoring through your card issuer — many offer it free after fraud. These services alert you when someone tries to open a new account in your name or when your information appears on the dark web.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my money back after I report fraud?
Your bank will reverse the charges within 10 business days in most cases, though some banks do it faster. The money goes back to your account as a credit, and you can use it when ready. If the bank needs more information from you, they will contact you and may take up to 45 days to investigate.
What if my bank says the charges were authorized and refuses to reverse them?
Ask the fraud department to escalate your case to a supervisor. If they still refuse, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at ConsumerFinance.gov. Include copies of your statements and the dates you called your bank. The CFPB investigates complaints and can force banks to reverse charges.
Do I have to pay my credit card bill while fraud is being investigated?
No. You can dispute the fraudulent charges and do not have to pay them while your bank investigates. Pay only the charges you recognize as legitimate. If your bank does not reverse the fraud within 60 days, you can file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the CFPB.
Can I get a new card number without waiting for a replacement card?
Some banks issue a temporary card number you can use online while your physical card is in the mail. Ask your fraud department whether this is an option. If not, most banks let you make purchases by phone or online using your account number while you wait for the replacement.
What if the fraudster used my card to open a new account, not just make charges?
This is identity theft, not just fraud. File an FTC report at IdentityTheft.gov and a police report with your local department. Contact the creditor that opened the account and tell them it was opened without your permission. Send them a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report and a letter explaining the fraud. Also place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three credit bureaus.