Privacy & Security
Report Suspicious Activity
Have a problem?
Have a problem?
Relax.
We’re here to help
Your security is our top priority
Here are some important things to know and do if you have concerns about fraud:
Steps you can take now if you believe your identity and/or account information may have been compromised:
Contact your financial institutions and creditors
- Speak with the fraud department and explain that someone has stolen your identity.
- Request to close or freeze any accounts that may have been tampered with or fraudulently established.
- Make sure to change your online login credentials, passwords and PINs.
Check your credit reports and place a fraud alert on them
- Receive a free copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com layer (you can also call 877-322-8228).
- Review your credit report to ensure that unauthorized accounts are not opened in your name.
- Report any fraudulent accounts to the appropriate financial institutions.
- Place a fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus (that company must tell the other two): Experian layer (888-397-3742), TransUnion layer (800-680-7289) or Equifax layer (888-766-0008).
Contact relevant authorities
- Contact ChexSystems (888-478-6536) to place a security alert on any compromised checking and savings accounts when a deposit account has been impacted.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission layer (877-438-4338) to report an ID theft incident.
- File a report with your local law enforcement. Be sure to get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
Replace your stolen identification
- If your driver’s license has been stolen, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
- To report a stolen Social Security card, contact the Office of the Inspector General layer (800-772-1213).
- To report a stolen passport, contact the Department of State layer (877-487-2778).
Know fraud when you see it
- Recognize the red flags that signal scams
- Understand phishing techniques
- Know what to do when there’s a data breach
Increase your security
- See what to do (and why it matters)
- Help protect yourself and your accounts
- Minimize fraud and ID theft opportunities
FAQs
Will a bank refund a fraud check?
Banks are generally required to reimburse customers for forged checks. However, based on individual circumstances, a bank can investigate to determine if the customer is entitled to a reimbursement. the customer’s failure to exercise ordinary care substantially contributed to an alteration or forgery.
How long do Bank of America fraud claims take?
Typically bank fraud investigations take up to 45 days
How do I contact Bank of America fraud department?
Report fraudulent or suspicious activity
- Credit card charges. Log into Online Banking and follow the instructions.
- ATM or debit charges. 877.366.1121.
- Mortgage accounts. 800.669.6607. Mon?Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (local time)
- Home equity accounts. 800.934.5626. …
- Online Banking. 800.432.1000.
- All other. 800.432.1000. …
- Spanish. 800.688.6086.
Does Bank of America deny fraud claims?
BofA has denied the allegations and asked for the lawsuits to be dismissed. BofA has also told California lawmakers that it faced a deluge of up to 40,000 fraud claims a month from late 2020 to early 2021. That’s when it began using what it called a ?fraud filter? of its own design to weed out criminals
How long do banks take to investigate fraud?
Per current regulations, banks take between 30 and 90 days to evaluate, respond, and resolve problematic transactions. In some instances, law enforcement might be informed depending on the fraud and identity theft level.
How does bank investigate fraud?
The bank initiates a payment fraud investigation, gathering information about the transaction from the cardholder. They review pertinent details, such as whether the charge was a card-present or card-not-present transaction. The bank also examines whether the charge fits the cardholder’s usual purchasing habits.
What can someone do with a stolen check?
What can someone do with a stolen check? Once they’ve intercepted your check, thieves might find a way to cash it for the amount written or change it to a larger amount. In some cases, they may use chemicals to alter the name of the payee, or the amount.
Is it hard to prove fraud?
Proving fraud can be difficult, even for government prosecutors with entire investigative agencies at their disposal. The difficulty is not establishing that the victim suffered a loss. Financial records are usually available to prove this element.
What happens when a bank investigates fraud?
After the bank sets up the fraud claim, it has a 10-day period within which they have to complete their investigations. If they need more time to reach a decision, they can ask for an extension of 45 days. Despite the extension, the bank has to temporarily refund the customer the disputed amount by the 10th day.
How long does a bank have to return a forged check?
Is this true? You generally have up to 30 days from the statement date to notify the bank of an error, including an unauthorized signature or an unauthorized alteration on a check. Please note: the time periods for prompt notification may vary by bank and state.
How do you know if your bank account is under investigation?
How do I know my bank account is under investigation? If your bank account is under investigation, the bank will typically notify you. You might receive an informal notification via email, but generally, you’ll also get a formal notification by mail.
What happens if someone fraudulently cashed a check?
The consequences of depositing a fake check ? even unknowingly ? can be costly. You may be responsible for repaying the entire amount of the check. While bank policies and state laws vary, you may have to pay the bank the entire amount of the fraudulent check that you cashed or deposited into your account.
Do banks call to verify checks?
Cashing a Commercial Check For an Old Customer / New Maker
You must attempt to call the bank to verify the account and the availability of funds. Not all banks will verify funds, but for which who do you must call.
What is considered suspicious bank activity?
What Triggers A Suspicious Activity Report? Suspicious activity can refer to any individual, incident, event, or activity that seems unusual or out of place. If potential violations of the BSA are detected, a bank is required to fill out a SAR report.
Report Suspicious Activities & Transactions on Accounts
Report Suspicious Activities & Transactions on Accounts Privacy & SecurityReport Suspicious ActivityHave a problem?Have a problem?Relax. We’re here to helpYour security is our top priorityHere are some important things to know and do if you have concerns about fraud:Steps you can take now if you believe your identity and/or account information may have been compromised:Contact your financial institutions and creditorsSpeak with the fraud department and explain that someone has stolen your identity.Request to close or freeze any accounts that may have been tampered with or fraudulently established.Make sure to change your online login credentials, passwords and PINs.Check your credit reports and place a fraud alert on themReceive a free copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com layer (you can also call 877-322-8228).Review your credit report to ensure that unauthorized accounts are not opened in your name.Report any fraudulent accounts to the appropriate financial institutions.Place a fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus (that company must tell the other two): Experian layer (888-397-3742), TransUnion layer (800-680-7289) or Equifax layer (888-766-0008).Contact relevant authoritiesContact ChexSystems (888-478-6536) to place a security alert on any compromised checking and savings accounts when a deposit account has been impacted.Contact the Federal Trade Commission layer (877-438-4338) to report an ID theft incident.File a report with your local law enforcement. Be sure to get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.Replace your stolen identificationIf your driver’s license has been stolen, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles.To report a stolen Social Security card, contact the Office of the Inspector General layer (800-772-1213).To report a stolen passport, contact the Department of State layer (877-487-2778).Know fraud when you see itRecognize the red flags that signal scamsUnderstand phishing techniquesKnow what to do when there’s a data breachSee how to better identify fraudIncrease your securitySee what to do (and why it matters)Help protect yourself and your accountsMinimize fraud and ID theft opportunitiesStart increasing your security now
Bank of America Privacy & Security Customer Service
Bank of America Privacy & Security Customer Service & Contact Numbers Contact us aboutSelect a topic for contact informationWrite to usBank of AmericaPO Box 25118Tampa, FL 33622-5118Bank of AmericaPO Box 25118Tampa, FL 33622-5118Call usReport a lost or stolen ATM or debit card800.432.10001.315.724.4022 (international collect; cell phone roaming charges may apply)Report a lost or stolen credit card800.732.91941.757.677.4701 (international collect; cell phone roaming charges may apply)You won’t be liable for any fraudulent charges. We’ll cancel your card and send you a replacement immediately.Report a lost or stolen checkbook800.432.10001.315.724.4022 (international collect; cell phone roaming charges may apply)If possible, provide the check number for the last check that was written or the name of the person or business to whom it was written. (You can log in to Online Banking to view digital copies of your checks.)Report fraudulent or suspicious activityATM or debit charges877.366.1121Mortgage accounts800.669.6607Mon–Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (local time)Home equity accounts800.934.5626Mon–Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (local time)Online Banking800.432.1000All other800.432.10001.315.724.4022 (international collect; cell phone roaming charges may apply)Mon–Fri 7 a.m.-10 p.m. (local time)Sat–Sun 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (local time)Spanish800.688.6086Mon–Fri 7 a.m.-10 p.m. (local time)Sat–Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (local time)Report a lost or stolen ATM or debit card800.432.10001.315.724.4022 (international collect; cell phone roaming charges may apply)Report a lost or stolen credit card800.732.91941.757.677.4701 (international collect; cell phone roaming charges may apply)You won’t be liable for any fraudulent charges. We’ll cancel your card and send you a replacement immediately.Report a lost or stolen checkbook800.432.10001.315.724.4022 (international collect; cell phone roaming charges may apply)If possible, provide the check number for the last check that was written or the name of the person or business to whom it was written. (You can log in to Online Banking to view digital copies of your checks.)Report fraudulent or suspicious activityATM or debit charges877.366.1121Mortgage accounts800.669.6607Mon–Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (local time)Home equity accounts800.934.5626Mon–Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (local time)Online Banking800.432.1000All other800.432.10001.315.724.4022 (international collect; cell phone roaming charges may apply)Mon–Fri 7 a.m.-10 p.m. (local time)Sat–Sun 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (local time)Spanish800.688.6086Mon–Fri 7 a.m.-10 p.m. (local time)Sat–Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (local time)FAQsExample of fraudulent emailTo help protect your info, please be on the alert for emails that look suspicious. Here are some signs that an email may be fraudulent:Unusual content, including poor spelling and grammar or words spelled in UK-style English…our fraud programme detected unusual activity on your Bank of America account.Urgent call to actionIf you do not respond to the link above immediately…Schedule an appointmentMake an appointment to open an account or discuss your financial concerns at your convenience.
Fraud Protection – Bank of America
How to Recognize and Prevent Bank Fraud to Avoid Becoming a VictimHere are some of the ways we protect you:Keeping your personal and financial information protected and secure through responsible information collection and processing.Protecting against threats with an award-winning cybersecurity team that delivers comprehensive security round-the-clock.24/7, real-time monitoring for suspicious account activity.Alerting you to potential fraud through the mobile app, text alerts, email or phone.Fraud prevention tip: Do not provide access codes, personal and financial information via email, text or to unsolicited callers. Bank of America will never call you to ask you for this information. If you receive an email or text from Bank of America and you’re unsure if it’s real, don’t click on any links.
Recognizing Bank Account Fraud & Identity Theft FAQs
Recognizing Bank Account Fraud & Identity Theft FAQsEmail fraud, often called phishing, typically involves the use of deceptive emails that ask you to provide sensitive personal, financial or account information. The emails may strongly indicate they come from an organization you do business with, but often contain spelling or grammatical errors and a sense of urgency about returning your information quickly to avoid a penalty or win a prize.A fraudulent email may ask you to supply information in a return email, in a separate form attached to the email or by visiting a fraudulent website using a link contained in the email message. The people attempting to get this information may use it to access your accounts directly in order to withdraw money or to open new accounts in your name using your information.Bank of America will never ask you to provide your Social Security number, ATM or debit card PIN or any other sensitive information in response to an email. If you receive an email from Bank of America and you’re not sure if it’s real, don’t click on any links in the email. Learn more about email fraud
How to Identify a Bank Scam to Keep Your Account Safe
How to Identify a Bank Scam to Keep Your Account SafeSkip to main contentHow to Avoid ScamsThink you can spot a scam?Think you can spot a scam?To help you learn how, we’re sharing the Explainer Series, “The Science Behind Scams”, courtesy of Vox and Zelle®.Learn more how to pay Zelle safe layer to help you stay secureKnow the red flagsThe most common types of scams will target you through fake emails, text messages, voice calls, letters or even someone who shows up at your front door unexpectedly. No matter which technique the scammer uses, you may be:Instructed to not trust Bank of America, or to respond to questions in untruthful waysPressured to send moneyThreatened with law enforcement actionTold to purchase gift cards and provide codes as a form of paymentAsked to cash a check for a stranger or send money via wire transfer or Zelle®Asked to deposit a check that overpays for something you’re selling, then send the difference elsewhereIf you authorize a transfer or send money to a scammer, there’s often little we can do to help get your money back.Rental scamsLooking for a vacation rental or thinking about renting a new place? Imagine showing up to your dream vacation or new home only to find out that you’ve been double booked – or that the place doesn’t actually exist.Scammers can take over a real rental or real estate listing by changing the email address or other contact information, then listing it on another site.What to look out for:Being pressured to urgently send a security deposit or make a payment to hold the property before you even see it or sign a lease.Being asked to wire money instead of sending a check. Once the money is gone, there’s almost no way to get it back.Pay attention and do your research on the owner(s) and listing: is it vague? Do the photos have watermarks? Does the rent amount sound too low? Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.Know the scamsScammers use different tactics to get victims to fall for their schemes. In some cases, they can be friendly, sympathetic and seem willing to help. In others, they use fear tactics to persuade a victim. Select the scam type from the following list to see a typical message from a scammer and the red flags that should cause you concern.CHECK CASHING SCAM(typical message): “Excuse me, I left my wallet home, can you cash this check for me?”Red flags include: You’re approached outside a bank branch and asked to cash a check for someone who claims they don’t have an account or left their ID home. The bad check will be held against your account when it doesn’t clear.FAKE GOODS SCAM(typical message): “We can offer you those goods at a considerably lower price than retail.”Red flags include: You’re asked to pay a very low price for typically expensive items (for example: $49 for a $300 pair of sneakers). Never transfer money (for example, by using Zelle®) to someone you don’t know.FAKE RENTAL SCAM(typical message): “Hi, I see you received my rental deposit and wanted to follow up about the move in date.”Red flags include: Your house is legitimately listed for sale online, but scammers have set up a fake website and listed your house as a rental. You receive inquiries from prospective renters about deposit checks they sent you (which they really sent to the scammer).OVERPAYMENT SCAM(typical message): “Go ahead and deposit the check and wire the difference to the account number attached.”Red flags include: You receive an overpayment for an item you’re selling, immediately followed…
How to Dispute a Charge and Check the Status of Your Claim
How to Dispute a Charge and Check the Status of Your ClaimBefore initiating a claimConsider calling the merchant first, as they may resolve your claim faster (we may also require information from the merchant to process a claim, so contacting them directly may save you time).Only posted transactions can be disputed (pending charges are temporary and may change). If you have any immediate concerns about a pending charge, contact the merchant directly.The merchant’s contact information is typically found on your receipt or billing statement.Timely notification is importantMost transactions must be disputed within 60 days of the date of your statement on which the error appeared. If you did not provide your account information to the merchant in question and suspect that your information was stolen contact privacy & security customer service immediately.While our online process to dispute a charge is the easiest and fastest way for you to submit a claim, you may also contact us by phone or mail with credit card billing inquiries.To dispute a chargeErica can help you with disputing a credit or debit card transaction. Log in to the mobile app and tap the Erica icon to get startedFrom the mobile app:1. Log in to the app and select the account with the transaction you’d like to dispute.2. Select the transaction, then tap DISPUTE TRANSACTION and follow the instructions.From your computer:1. Log in to Online Banking and select the account with the transaction you’d like to dispute.2. Select the transaction, then select the Dispute this transaction link and follow the instructions.Once your claim has been submitted, you can check the status of your claim in the mobile app or on your computer. Claims will be viewable in our site and app for up to 120 days from the date the claim file is moved from active to closed status.To check the status of your claimMost claim statuses can be tracked through Mobile and Online Banking (some eligibility may vary). Business account claims are not viewable.From the mobile app: Log in to the app and tap Menu, then select View My Claim in the HELP & SUPPORT section.From your computer: Log in to your Online Banking Message Center. Disputes are displayed in the Claims Messages section (the dispute status is listed in the Current Status column). You can view any additional dispute details by selecting the account and claim ID.You can also set up custom alerts to receive real-time text and alert notifications concerning your claim. To review your alert setting in the mobile app, simply tap the bell icon and select SETTINGS.
FDIC Consumer News: Beware of Fake Checks
FDIC Consumer News: Beware of Fake Checks FDIC Consumer News – August 2019 Printable Version August 2019 – PDF Printable Version en Español Agosto 2019 – PDF Protect yourself from fake check scams with these tips from FDIC Consumer News Even in today’s digital and mobile world where electronic money transfers are common, consumers and businesses may still prefer the assumed security of paper cashier’s checks or official bank checks for large or major payments. Recipients generally prefer one of these checks over a personal check because the financial institution presumably has already collected the funds from the party purchasing the cashier’s checks or official bank checks. This means the payment is guaranteed, unless the check is counterfeit, so there are risks to consumers and businesses from these types of paper instruments, as well. Unfortunately, criminals have come to rely on their victim’s sense of “security” provided by cashier’s checks and official bank checks. Advanced graphics and printing technologies allow scammers to easily create fraudulent and hard-to-detect counterfeit checks in a matter of minutes, adding a sense of legitimacy to their scams. Fake checks can look so real that it’s very hard for consumers, or even bank employees, to detect. Fake bank checks are typically used in scams where the scammer tries to get you to cash or deposit the check. Once it is deposited, they ask that you send all or part of the proceeds back to them or to someone else (an accomplice) before the bank where it was deposited tries to clear or process the check for payment and realizes the instrument is fake. The scammer might ask you to return the funds in a number of ways: in cash, by writing a personal check, by loading it onto a pre-paid or gift card, or through some electronic means, such as a wire transfer, automated clearing house (ACH) payment, or a person to person (P2P) transaction. If it is later determined that the check was counterfeit, you will likely be held responsible for the funds that were provided to the scammer, so it is important that you recognize the signs of a counterfeit check to protect yourself. Remember, fraud artists are constantly coming up with new ways to use fraudulent cashier’s or official bank checks in their scams. Here are three of the most common scams, and tips on how to detect whether or not you are being scammed. Lotteries and Sudden Riches Scams In these examples, the check recipients are told that they won a lottery—perhaps in a foreign country—or that they are entitled to receive an inheritance. The recipient is instructed that in order to “claim” their lottery winnings or inheritance, the recipient must first pay “taxes and fees” before they can receive their prize or money. A fake cashier’s check is sent, which the scammer asks the recipient to cash and then wire back the funds to cover the taxes and fees. Online Auctions, Classified Listing Sites, and Overpayment Scams Scammers might go to an online auction or classified listing site and offer to buy an item for sale, pay for a service in advance, or rent an apartment. The odd thing is that they might…
Check Fraud – Who is Liable for a Fake Forged Check? – ERAI
Check Fraud – Who is Liable for a Fake Forged Check? Check Fraud – Who is Liable for a Fake Forged Check? Mary Dunham ERAI, Inc. You may be surprised to learn that depending on the circumstances and your state’s laws, the person who cashes or deposits the fraudulent check may be held responsible. The Federal Trade Commission reports that not only are counterfeit check scams occurring more frequently, the counterfeit checks are becoming harder to identify. High quality printers and scanners, authentic-looking watermarks, copied facsimile signatures, authentic names and addresses of legitimate financial institutions, as well as real routing numbers and account numbers are all being used to perpetrate this fraud. These counterfeits range from cashier’s checks and money orders to corporate and personal checks. You may be asking yourself why can you be held responsible and the bank not. Under federal law, banks are required to make funds available to you within 1-5 days. Official checks, such as US Treasury checks, government checks and bank checks [cashier’s checks, certified checks, and teller’s checks] are usually made available one day after deposit. The problem is, while the funds are available, the funds are not really yours until the check “clears”. Processing a payment actually takes longer than 1-5 days. Your bank accepts the deposit based on your identification – they have no information about the source of the check. Your bank then sends the check to the source. Say for example that the check allegedly came from a real company (as was the case in a blog post recently made by ERAI titled: Bad check scam – ERAI Members’ identities being used to commit fraud). The real company does not become aware of these charges until they appear on their statement. In the meantime, you’re responsible because it is assumed that you are in the best position to determine the risk of accepting the check – you dealt with the person who gave it to you. Until the bank confirms that the funds were actually deposited into your account, you are responsible for any funds drawn against that check. In addition to collecting funds from you, the bank may also charge a fee, particularly if the reversal results in NSF checks, etc. Banks may also freeze or close your account or take money from other accounts you have at that bank, bring suit against you to recover the funds, or report you to a checking account abuse databasei. In some cases it is possible that law enforcement could bring charges against victims because it may look like they were involved in the scam and knew the check was counterfeit.ii FDIC insurance does not cover losses due to theft or fraud. What rights do you have? Ordinarily, you would seek repayment from the person who wrote the check to you. Realistically, however, if the scammer lives in a foreign country, has disguised his identity or has disappeared, your chances of recovering the money are not good. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, a payor bank may only debit a drawer’s account for checks that…