How to report fraud on Bank of America account
If you notice unauthorized charges, suspicious transfers, or account access you do not recognize, act immediately.
This guide explains how to report fraud on Bank of America account, what evidence to gather, and how the bank typically handles the dispute.
Fast reporting matters because card and account fraud can spread quickly, but the exact steps depend on whether the issue involves a debit card, credit card, online banking login, or ACH transfer.
What counts as fraud on a Bank of America account?
Fraud is any activity on your Bank of America account that you did not authorize.
It can involve a stolen card, a compromised online banking password, a fake merchant charge, or a transfer made by someone else.
- Unauthorized debit card purchases at stores or online
- ATM withdrawals you did not make
- Bill payments or Zelle transfers you did not approve
- New payees or address changes you did not request
- Login activity from unknown devices or locations
- Identity theft signs such as new accounts or hard inquiries
Knowing the type of fraud helps Bank of America route the case correctly and determine whether card replacement, account review, or dispute processing is needed.
What to do first
Before contacting the bank, secure your access and preserve evidence.
A quick, organized response can reduce losses and make it easier to investigate the issue.
1. Review recent account activity
Check transactions, pending charges, transfer history, card activity, and alerts.
Look for amounts, merchants, dates, and locations that do not match your records.
2. Change your login credentials
Update your Bank of America username, password, and security questions if you suspect online banking compromise.
Use a strong, unique password and avoid reusing one from another site.
3. Lock or replace the card if needed
If the fraud involves a debit or credit card, use the mobile app or online banking tools to lock the card if available.
If you believe the card number was exposed, request a replacement immediately.
4. Save documentation
Take screenshots, note timestamps, and save emails or text alerts.
Record the merchant name, transaction amount, and any reference numbers shown in your account history.
How to report fraud on Bank of America account by phone
The fastest path is usually calling Bank of America directly using the number on the back of your card or through the official website or mobile app.
If you do not have the card, use the bank’s published customer service or fraud contact information.
When you call, be ready to explain what happened, when you noticed it, and which transactions appear unauthorized.
Ask for a case or reference number before ending the call.
Typical details to provide include:
- Your full name and account information
- The date and amount of each suspicious transaction
- Whether the card, login, or transfer was involved
- When you first noticed the problem
- Any steps you already took, such as locking the card
If the fraud is urgent, tell the representative whether your card is lost or stolen, whether your online account may be compromised, and whether you need immediate access restoration.
How to report fraud online or in the mobile app
Bank of America may also allow you to report certain disputes or suspicious activity through online banking or the mobile app.
This can be useful if you want to submit information quickly and keep a written trail of your report.
Look for options such as dispute a transaction, report suspicious activity, or replace a card.
If the app does not offer the exact option you need, call the bank and follow up in writing.
Use online reporting when you can safely access your account.
If you suspect malware, a shared device issue, or credential theft, switch to a trusted device before submitting sensitive information.
How to document the fraud properly
Clear records improve your chances of a smooth investigation.
Organize your notes before, during, and after the report so you can answer follow-up questions quickly.
- Transaction date and posted date
- Merchant or payee name
- Exact amount and currency
- Location, if available
- Why the activity is unauthorized
- Any supporting evidence such as receipts or travel records
If the charge is from a subscription or recurring merchant, check whether a family member or authorized user made the purchase.
If not, note that it was not approved.
What Bank of America may do after you report fraud
Once the report is filed, Bank of America typically opens a case and reviews the disputed activity.
Depending on the situation, the bank may block card usage, issue a new card number, freeze certain account functions, or ask for additional details.
Common next steps include:
- Temporary card lock or account monitoring
- Replacement debit or credit card
- Investigation of the disputed transaction
- Provisional credit in eligible cases
- Requests for affidavits or written statements
Bank investigations can differ based on whether the transaction was card-present, card-not-present, ACH, wire transfer, or peer-to-peer payment.
Fraud involving a debit card and fraud involving an online transfer are often reviewed under different rules.
How long does the fraud investigation take?
Timeframes depend on the account type, the complexity of the case, and what evidence the bank needs.
Some cases move quickly when the transaction is obvious, while others require more review.
You should watch for messages in online banking, mail, or email related to the claim.
If the bank requests more information, respond promptly to avoid delays.
Keep using your case number whenever you contact customer service so each representative can track the same report.
What if the fraud involved Zelle or an external transfer?
Money sent through Zelle or another external transfer service can be harder to reverse than a card charge.
If the payment was unauthorized, report it immediately and explain whether someone accessed your account or tricked you into approving the transfer.
That distinction matters because unauthorized account access and scam-induced authorization may be handled differently.
Save screenshots of the recipient name, phone number, email address, and any messages related to the transfer.
When you should also file reports outside the bank
For serious fraud or identity theft, you may need to contact additional organizations.
These reports can help build a paper trail and support later disputes.
- Federal Trade Commission: file an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov
- Local police: useful if there is theft, impersonation, or a stolen wallet
- Credit bureaus: place a fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- US Postal Service: if mail theft may be involved
If your personal information was exposed, monitor your credit reports and consider freezing credit to reduce the risk of new accounts being opened in your name.
How to protect the account after the report
After you report fraud on Bank of America account, strengthen the account so the same problem does not repeat.
This is especially important if the issue began with phishing, password reuse, or a compromised device.
- Enable account alerts for purchases, transfers, and login changes
- Use two-factor authentication where available
- Review linked devices and remove anything unfamiliar
- Update passwords on email and financial accounts
- Check statement activity weekly for the next few months
- Be cautious with phone calls, texts, and emails asking for verification codes
If you suspect a broader compromise, scan devices for malware and change passwords from a secure network rather than public Wi-Fi.
Common mistakes that delay fraud claims
People sometimes miss important steps that slow the investigation or weaken the claim.
Avoid these issues when you contact Bank of America.
- Waiting too long to report suspicious activity
- Deleting emails, texts, or app alerts before saving evidence
- Giving incomplete transaction details
- Assuming a card lock is the same as a fraud report
- Ignoring follow-up requests from the bank
- Using an unsafe device to access online banking
The earlier you report and the better you document the activity, the easier it is for the bank to review the case accurately.