Submitted: Thursday, November 01, 2007
Posted: Thursday, November 01, 2007
Robert
Wallingford
U.S.A.
First thing, file a fraud claim with your bank.
First call their customer service number to make the initial report. The bank will probably tell you that you have to contact the company that made the debit. If you already have a contact number for the company, call them first, then call the bank otherwise get the contact number associated with the debit transaction.
Call the company that made the debit. Demand a refund and demand they stop debiting your account. Inform them you will be filing a fraud claim with your bank. Even if the company tells you they will refund your money, call your bank back and file a fraud claim anyway. Make sure to follow it up with a signed fraud affidavit. You should be able to get a form from your bank branch or possible print out a copy from your bank's web site. If not you can also search the web for a generic form to fill out and send in. Make sure you get the correct address to send it to.
It is not always the banks main mailing address. This way there are no delays. Make sure you keep a copy of all documents you send them.
The bank should issue a provisional credit while they investigate your fraud claim but only after they receive the signed affidavit. They should also refund your fees that are associated with the fraudulent debit.
It may take several weeks for the bank to complete their investigation. When they do you should receive a letter explaining the outcome.
If the bank should rule against you and say the debit and fees are valid, you are entitled to get a copy of the documentation that they used to investigate your claim. In that event you should also file a complaint with the governing agency for your bank and your state's banking commision. They will investigate to make sure the bank followed proper procedure to investigate you fraud claim.
Its alot of work and calls to make but you have to be the one to go after your money. Be persistant but also be patient. These take a bit of time.
Good luck.