ATM Card Disputes -

Electronic Funds Transfer Act

The Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) has the effect of making the bank listen to the consumer that has a dispute concerning an unauthorized electronic transaction processed through their checking account.

An unauthorized electronic transfer is:

• an electronic fund transfer from a consumer's account initiated by a person other than the consumer without actual authority to initiate the transfer.

• an electronic fund transfer where the consumer received no benefit.

• Includes ATM transactions initiated by someone that received your ATM card through fraud or robbery.

What to Do if There Is An Unauthorized Transaction Posted to Your Account:

If you find that you have an unauthorized electronic transaction in your banking account, the first step you must take is to immediately notify the bank in writing.  Your letter should include your bank account number and a description of the unauthorized transaction.  This letter should be sent to the address for error notices listed on your monthly bank statement and it should be sent via certified mail with return receipt requested.  Click here for a sample letter. 

Sample Unauthorized Transaction Letter

Once the bank receives your letter, then the bank is required to conduct a reasonable investigation of the unauthorized electronic transaction within ten business days and then the bank must report the results of the investigation to you within three business days after completing its investigation.

If your bank determines that the unauthorized transaction was authorized when in fact it was not authorized, then you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact our office at 404-588-1181. 

The information you obtain at this website is not, nor is intended to be, legal advice.  Links to pages outside of this website do not constitute an endorsement of those sites.  No attorney client relationship has or will be established with the Law Office of Lisa D. Wright, LLC unless and until a written retainer agreement has been executed.