What to do if your credit card is used for unauthorized transactions

Online shopping has surged, leading to a rise in credit card fraud and cyber theft. If you receive a "purchase made" notification for a transaction you did not authorize, prompt action can help recover your funds and secure your account.

The first crucial step is to contact your bank immediately via phone or mobile app to temporarily or permanently block your card. This prevents further unauthorized charges. Your bank will then cancel the compromised card and issue a new one.

After blocking the card, you must file a transaction dispute with your bank to request a refund. This can be done through the bank's mobile app, online portal, or in person. The bank will investigate the claim according to international card network rules. If it's confirmed the transaction was not made by you, the funds will be fully reimbursed.

While the bank's refund process addresses financial loss, reporting the crime is essential to apprehending fraudsters and protecting others. Submit all supporting documents, including your credit card statement, dispute form, and message records, to the nearest public prosecutor's office or police cybercrime unit.

The time frame for resolving disputes varies by bank and transaction location. Domestic disputes typically take 15 to 30 days, while international or complex cases can extend to 45-120 days.