My checking account has unauthorized monthly charges/withdrawals from a merchant. The charges started eight months ago, but I just noticed them. The bank will not reverse the charges. How can I stop this?
Immediately notify the bank and identify by date and dollar amount the transactions that you did not authorize. The bank will review your claim and may ask you to complete an affidavit unauthorized use.
To avoid liability for any subsequent transfers by the same person, within 60 calendar days of the bank’s transmission of the statement you must report any unauthorized electronic transactions that appear on your account statement. Therefore, it is important to timely review your account statement upon receipt. If you believe the charges are related to a preauthorized electronic funds transfer agreement, see "How can I stop a pre-authorized debit from being paid from my checking account?"
If the charges have been ongoing for eight months, you may be liable for charges reflected on statements sent more than 60 days after the bank sent you the periodic statement reflecting the first unauthorized transactions by the merchant.
Review your account agreement for policies specific to your bank and your account.
Last Reviewed: April 2021
Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.