Emergency Help
I See Charges I Didn't Make
A strange charge on your statement? What you do next depends on how you paid. Answer one question for the right steps.
Don't panic, and don't ignore it either. Most unauthorised charges are fully recoverable if you report them promptly — but the protections differ between a credit card, a debit card, and a recurring subscription. Tell us how you paid.
What to do about a charge you didn't make
Report it, stop further fraud, and recover the money.
- Confirm it's really unauthorised — check for unfamiliar billing descriptors and forgotten subscriptions first.
- Call your bank or card issuer on the official number and report the charge as fraud.
- Have them freeze the card and issue a new number to stop any recurring or further fraud.
- Formally dispute the charge or request a chargeback, and ask about fraud protection for your card type.
- Change your banking password, turn on two-factor authentication, and keep records of every reference number.
Frequently asked questions
Is a credit card or a debit card safer for fraud?
Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection: you're disputing the bank's money, not yours, and you're usually not liable for confirmed fraud. With a debit card the money leaves your account immediately and the protection window can be tighter, so debit fraud needs faster action.
I don't recognise a charge but it might be a subscription. What do I do?
Search the exact merchant name from your statement before reporting fraud — many strange descriptors are legitimate (app-store billing, parent companies, or a free trial that converted). Check your app store and email receipts. If it's truly not yours, dispute it with your card issuer.
How long do I have to dispute an unauthorised charge?
It varies by card type and country, but the window is limited and the clock often starts from the statement date — so report it as soon as you spot it. Prompt reporting is also what protects you from being held liable, especially on debit cards.
This is general guidance for common situations, not legal or financial advice. When large sums or physical safety are involved, contact your bank and local authorities directly.