How to Report Fraud Fast (Bank, Police & Regulators)
Learn exactly who to contact, what to say, and which documents to gather when reporting financial fraud.
Time is Critical
Contact your bank's fraud team immediately, freeze cards, file official reports (police/regulator), document everything, and follow up in writing.
Immediate Actions: First Hour
The first hour determines how much money you might lose. Financial institutions have better recovery options when fraud is reported immediately, and some protections are time-sensitive.
Call Your Bank's Fraud Line: Lock Cards, Freeze Online Access, Request New Numbers
Start with your bank's dedicated fraud department. Don't use general customer service – fraud teams have special tools and authority to act quickly.
Major Bank Fraud Numbers (Available 24/7):
- Chase: 1-866-564-2262
- Bank of America: 1-800-432-1000
- Wells Fargo: 1-800-869-3557
- Citibank: 1-800-285-3866
- Capital One: 1-800-227-4825
- RBC: 1-800-769-2511
- TD Bank: 1-866-222-3456
- Scotiabank: 1-800-472-6842
- BMO: 1-877-225-5266
- CIBC: 1-800-465-4653
What to Tell Your Bank:
- Type of fraud: Unauthorized charges, stolen card, account takeover
- Timeline: When you discovered it and when it likely occurred
- Amount involved: Total dollar amount of fraudulent activity
- Specific transactions: Dates, amounts, merchants for each fraudulent charge
- How it happened: What you know about how your information was compromised
What Your Bank Will Do Immediately:
- Block compromised cards to prevent further unauthorized use
- Freeze online access if accounts are compromised
- Place fraud alerts on your accounts
- Initiate disputes for unauthorized transactions
- Rush replacement cards (usually 1-2 business days)
Change Passwords/MFA for Email and Banking Apps
Secure your digital access points immediately. If fraudsters have your passwords, they can continue accessing accounts even after cards are replaced.
Password Change Priority:
- Primary email account (used for password resets)
- Online banking passwords
- Mobile banking app PINs
- Payment app passwords (PayPal, Venmo, etc.)
- Stored payment methods on shopping sites
Note Transaction IDs, Timestamps, and Merchant Names
Documentation is crucial for successful fraud claims. Record everything while the information is fresh in your memory.
Information to Document:
- Date and time of transaction
- Merchant name and location
- Transaction amount
- Reference/confirmation number
- Method (card, online, phone)
- When you first noticed the fraud
- How you discovered it (statement, alert, etc.)
- Last time you used the card legitimately
- Where you might have been compromised
Build Your Case File
Organize evidence systematically for better outcomes. Well-documented cases get resolved faster and with better results.
Government ID, Proof of Address
Gather identity verification documents. You'll need these for multiple agencies and to prove you are the legitimate account holder.
Required Identity Documents:
- Government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, passport, or state ID
- Proof of current address: Utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement (within 30 days)
- Social Security/SIN card or official document with your number
- Additional ID: Birth certificate, employment ID, or other official documents
Screenshots of Messages/Emails
Preserve digital evidence before it disappears. Screenshots provide time-stamped proof of communications and fraud attempts.
What to Screenshot:
- Phishing emails or texts that may have led to compromise
- Suspicious account notifications
- Unauthorized account activity in apps or online
- Error messages when trying to access accounts
- Communications with fraudsters (if any)
Bank Statements and Charge Details
Collect comprehensive financial records. Complete statements help identify all fraudulent activity and establish patterns.
Financial Documentation Checklist:
- Bank statements: 3-6 months before fraud occurred
- Credit card statements showing fraudulent charges
- Transaction histories from online banking
- ATM receipts from legitimate transactions
- Merchant receipts for transactions you did make
Police/Regulatory Report Numbers
Official report numbers validate your fraud claims. Many financial institutions require these for processing disputes and insurance claims.
Submit Formal Reports
Bank Dispute (Chargeback or EFT Dispute)
Formal disputes trigger legal protections and investigation processes. This is separate from the initial fraud report and requires written submission.
Dispute Process Timeline:
Information Needed for Disputes:
- Dispute reason: Unauthorized transaction, fraud, billing error
- Transaction details: Date, amount, merchant, description
- Explanation: Why you believe the charge is fraudulent
- Supporting evidence: Police reports, communications, receipts
Police Report (for Case Number)
File a police report even if they can't actively investigate. The report number provides legal standing and is often required by banks and insurance companies.
What to Tell Police:
- Type of fraud: Credit card fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, etc.
- Financial impact: Total amount lost or at risk
- Timeline of events: When fraud occurred and was discovered
- Suspected method: How your information may have been compromised
- Evidence: Documentation you've gathered
Regulatory Complaint (Financial Regulator/Anti-Fraud Centre)
Report to relevant regulatory authorities. These agencies track fraud patterns and can take enforcement action against bad actors.
Where to File Regulatory Complaints:
- Federal Trade Commission: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
- Federal Communications Commission: For phone/SMS fraud
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: fcac-acfc.gc.ca
- Competition Bureau Canada: competitionbureau.gc.ca
- Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission: For telecom fraud
Platform Report (Marketplace, Wallet, Payment App)
Report fraud to relevant platforms and apps. This helps protect other users and may aid in your case resolution.
Common Platforms to Report:
- PayPal: Resolution Center for transaction disputes
- Venmo/Zelle: Report unauthorized transactions
- Amazon/eBay: Report fraudulent sellers or transactions
- Apple Pay/Google Pay: Report unauthorized wallet activity
- Cryptocurrency exchanges: Report unauthorized account access
Follow-Up
Get Confirmation Numbers in Writing
Document every interaction with confirmation numbers. These numbers are your proof that reports were filed and investigations initiated.
Numbers to Collect:
- Bank dispute reference numbers
- Police report case numbers
- Regulatory complaint numbers
- New account/card numbers
- Customer service case numbers
Diary Dates for Response SLAs
Track deadlines and follow up proactively. Many fraud cases get delayed simply because no one follows up on missed deadlines.
Typical Response Timelines:
Follow-Up Checklist:
- Calendar reminders for expected response dates
- Weekly check-ins during investigation periods
- Document all communications (date, time, person, outcome)
- Escalate if deadlines are missed
Escalate to Ombudsman if Deadlines Pass
Use regulatory escalation when institutions don't respond. Ombudsmen have authority to compel responses and can resolve disputes faster than legal action.
When to Escalate:
- Missed response deadlines without explanation
- Unsatisfactory investigation outcomes
- Poor customer service or unresponsive institutions
- Disputes over liability for fraudulent charges
Ombudsman Contacts:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Federal banking regulators (OCC, FDIC, Fed)
- State banking commissioners
- Credit union regulators (NCUA)
- Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
- Provincial financial services tribunals
- Credit union deposit insurers
Time-Sensitive Protections:
- Credit cards: Report within 60 days of statement for full protection
- Debit cards: Report within 2 days for $50 liability limit
- Electronic transfers: Report within 60 days of statement
- Wire transfers: Very limited recourse - act within hours
- Cryptocurrency: Usually no recourse - prevention is key
Related Security Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast should I report fraud?
Immediately; many protections are time-limited. Credit card fraud should be reported within 60 days, debit card fraud within 2 days for full protection. The sooner you report, the better your chances of recovery.
Will I get my money back?
Depends on method, timing, and bank policy. Credit cards offer the strongest protection. Debit cards have time limits. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency have very limited recourse. Bank policies may provide additional protections.
Should I contact the merchant directly?
Yes, but do not delay bank disputes. Sometimes merchants can resolve issues quickly, but don't let this delay your formal fraud report. You can pursue both approaches simultaneously.
What if my bank doesn't believe the charges are fraudulent?
Provide detailed documentation and escalate if necessary. Banks sometimes deny legitimate fraud claims. Gather evidence, get police reports, and escalate to regulators or ombudsmen if your bank is unresponsive.
Can I be held responsible for fraud on my accounts?
Generally no, if reported promptly and you weren't negligent. However, delayed reporting, sharing PINs, or gross negligence can affect your liability. Banks may investigate your role in the compromise.