Consumer Protection, Fraud & Lemon Law · Fraud and identity theft
Scams, unauthorized charges and disputes
In this guide
- Federal rules limit liability for unauthorized debit and electronic transfers, with limits that depend on how quickly they’re reported.
- Credit card billing errors can be disputed in writing within 60 days of the statement.
- Payments a person authorized, even because of a scam, may not be covered by these rules.
Reporting scams
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov: the FTC’s national scam report.
- California Attorney General: consumer complaints about businesses and scams.
- Local police: especially for losses or threats.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): for internet-based fraud.
Debit cards and electronic transfers
Under the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E, a consumer’s liability for unauthorized electronic transfers depends on how quickly they report it. Reporting a lost card within 2 business days limits liability to $50; later reporting can raise it. Unauthorized transfers on a statement must generally be reported within 60 days of the statement date.
Credit cards
Federal law caps liability for unauthorized credit card use at $50, and many issuers offer zero liability. Billing errors can be disputed in writing within 60 days after the statement is sent, and the issuer must investigate.
When a payment was authorized
If a person sent money themselves, for example through a wire, payment app, gift card, or cryptocurrency after being deceived, these protections may not apply. Banks and apps have their own policies, and reporting quickly can sometimes help.
Time frames (federal rules)
- Lost or stolen debit card: report within 2 business days to limit liability to $50
- Unauthorized transfers on a statement: within 60 days of the statement
- Credit card billing error dispute: within 60 days of the statement, in writing
Official sources for this guide
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