N
The Daily Insight Hub

How do banks investigate unauthorized ATM transactions?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on January 31, 2026

With a fraud case, the bank will advise the customer to immediately contact the three credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). While the bank wants to move fast, it can take up to 90 days to investigate the charge and complete an initial chargeback.

Can the bank find out who used my ATM card?

You can rest assured knowing that anyone who can process a debit card charge must have a merchant account, which is linked to personally identifiable information about the account holder. Banks make it fairly easy to find out exactly who charged your debit card.

Can someone use my stolen ATM card?

But here’s the reality: If someone uses your debit card before you report it lost or stolen, your liability really depends on how quickly you report it. Within two business days after you learn about the loss or theft, you could be responsible for up to $50, according to federal law.

What happens if someone uses your debit card without your permission?

If someone uses your debit card without your authorization, you can report the incident to your local police for an investigation so that charges can be pressed if necessary. In addition to also letting your bank know about the fraud, you can report the incident to the FTC.

Does the bank cover debit card theft?

ATM and Debit Cards Under the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act, your liability is: $0 if you report the loss or theft of the card immediately and before any unauthorized charges are made. up to $50 if you notify the bank within two business days after you realize the card is missing.

Can a person debit a bank account without a pin?

In some cases, unauthorized users can debit the account without the PIN if a retailer allows him to process the card as a credit card transaction. One other way for the individual to debit the account is if he has the online log-in information for the bank account.

What does it mean when someone steals your debit card?

If you keep tabs on your bank account and check your transactions regularly, you may one day see signs of an unauthorized transaction on your debit card. Usually, this means that someone has stolen your debit card or they have somehow skimmed the number and have access to your checking account .

What to do if someone steals your bank account number?

In short, its best to keep paper bank statements well protected, sign up for paperless delivery if its available, and review each statement thoroughly and as soon after its delivered (or available for download) as reasonably possible. Is knowing someone’s bank account number enough information for anyone to withdraw money in US banks?

What happens if someone debits your bank account without your permission?

If you know the person who debited the bank account without your permission, that complicates matters. If you willingly gave the person access to the card and PIN for your bank card or provided the person with your bank account number, you could be held liable for those charges.