As a victim of debit card fraud, what are my legal options?
<p>I have just been a victim of debit card fraud where someone over five hours away in another state purchased over $500 in computer equipment last night.</p>

<p>Nevermind, that my credit union seems so non-chalant about it and that unlike Capital One, they seem to have no checks in place to notice that there are several usual small purchases in my city of residence and then one whooping purchase late at night at a computer store several states away and not a single red flag was raised. I caught it because I am always checking my bank account periodically.</p>

<p>Anyway, what can I legally do about this? Who would legally take this seriously?</p>

<p>Under the <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/chapter-41/subchapter-VI" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Electronic Fund Transfer Act</a> you must report the fraud right away: if you act within 2 days your liability is limited to $50. Since you acted very quickly, that's the most you can lose. It could be zero under the terms of your bank agreement. <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1693g" rel="nofollow noreferrer">This section</a> states the specifics of your liability.</p>

<p>What you can do about it is determined by your contract with the credit union and card usage agreement; read that and talk to the credit union's fraud person. You may be responsible for the charges, maybe not. You will be able to file a complaint and go through that process, and it may or may not help to be reimbursed for the fraud.</p>

<p>And look at local and state consumer laws which may give you more options. And look at <a href="https://www.ncua.gov/consumers" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Consumers | National Credit Union Administration</a> for information.</p>

<p>As a last resort, if the bank still wants to make you responsible for the charges, Google for free/low cost legal aid in your area. But you could be bound in the banking contract to arbitration and won't be able to go to small claims court.</p>

fraud