Lost/Stolen Checks or Card

What to do if your checkbook is lost or stolen:

There are two ways to handle a lost or stolen checkbook. The first way is to place a stop payment order on the checks that were lost or stolen. There is a $20 fee for placing a stop payment on a range of check numbers. The check numbers are needed to place a stop payment order on those items. The second way to handle lost or stolen checks is to close the checking account. A new account would need to be opened and any automatic drafts or deposits would need to be moved to the new account. A police report should be completed for these lost or stolen checks. If someone other than an authorized account user writes any of the lost or stolen checks, those checks would be returned to the merchant or individual that accepted the checks. That merchant or individual would contact you for payment. At that time, you would complete an Affidavit of Forgery. The merchant or individual may need a copy of the police report and the Affidavit of Forgery.

What to do if your Credit, Debit, or ATM cards are lost or stolen:

The most important to thing to do when your credit, debit, or ATM card is lost or stolen, is to call the bank and notify them as soon as possible. This is the best way to limit your liability if your card is used to make fraudulent transactions. Depending on the type of card, the time limits and liabilities may vary, so the sooner the better.

Your maximum liability, under federal law, for the unauthorized use of your credit card is $50. If you report the loss before any unauthorized charges are made, then you are not responsible for any charges made. If fraudulent charges are made using only your card number, and not the actual card, then you are not liable for unauthorized use.

Your liability for unauthorized activity on your ATM or Debit Card depends on how quickly you notify us. If you report the loss before any charges are made, then you cannot be held responsible for any amount.  To report a lost or stolen card call 1-800-523-4175.

For a more detailed description of the laws regarding your liability and your options, please review the information from the link below. It also provides tips on how to help keep your cards secure so that you can hopefully avoid these situations altogether.

Links:

Federal Trade Commission: Facts for Consumers