If your credit, ATM, or debit card is lost or stolen, federal law limits your liability for charges made without your permission, but your protection depends on the type of card — and when you report the loss.

Report Loss Or Theft Immediately

If your credit, ATM, or debit card is lost or stolen, don’t wait to report it.

1. Report the loss or theft as soon as possible. Federal law says you’re not responsible to pay for charges or withdrawals made without your permission if they happen after you report the loss. It’s important to act fast.
2. Follow up immediately in writing. Send a letter to the card issuer and include your account number, the date and time when you noticed your card was missing, and when you first reported the loss. 

Watch Your Accounts

1. Keep checking your account statements and call to report fraudulent charges ASAP.
2. Follow up immediately in writing. Send a letter to the address used for billing disputes (credit cards) or errors (debit cards).
3. Check if your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers you for card thefts. If not, ask your insurance company to include this protection in your policy going forward.
4. Check your credit reports. Get copies of your free credit reports to monitor for accounts or charges you don’t recognize.

Avoiding Credit Card Loss Protection Scams

Scammers sometimes contact you — by phone, text, email, or by messaging you on social media — and try to trick you into thinking you need to buy “credit card loss protection insurance.” No matter the story, it’s a scam and they’re just after your account number.Federal law already protects you from unauthorized use of your credit card.

If you see a scam, fraud, or a bad business practice, tell the FTC. Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FTC’s website that makes it easy for you to report.

Information provided by the FTC at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/lost-or-stolen-credit-atm-debit-cards.