How can I protect myself against unauthorized direct debits on my account?
January 27, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Carsten Ahlert
Dear Banking Lawyer,
I am reaching out to you as I have recently noticed an increase in unauthorized direct debits on my account and I am very concerned about how to protect myself against them. I have a checking account with XY Bank and have noticed withdrawals that I did not authorize. These unauthorized direct debits are affecting my account and causing financial difficulties, as I am not always able to react immediately.
I have already contacted my bank, but so far they have not been able to provide me with a satisfactory solution. Therefore, I would like to know from you what legal options are available to me to protect myself against unauthorized direct debits. Are there specific clauses or agreements that I can make with my bank to secure my account? What steps can I take to prevent unauthorized withdrawals and protect my money?
I am concerned about the security of my account and want to avoid becoming a victim of unauthorized direct debits. Therefore, I am requesting your expert advice and support to protect my account from unauthorized withdrawals.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Daniel Zornitz
Dear Mr. Zornitz,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding unauthorized direct debits on your account at XY Bank. It is understandable that you are concerned about the security of your account and are looking for ways to protect yourself against unauthorized withdrawals.
In general, banks are obligated to refund unauthorized direct debits if you can prove that you did not authorize them. It is important that you contact your bank immediately and report the unauthorized debits. You should provide all relevant information such as date, amount, and purpose of the direct debits to clarify the situation.
Furthermore, you can arrange with your bank that certain direct debits can only be carried out with your explicit consent. This can be done, for example, through a direct debit authorization or a debit order, where you must authorize the withdrawal in advance.
It is advisable to regularly review your bank statements to detect and report unauthorized direct debits in a timely manner. If you continue to have problems with unauthorized withdrawals, you may also consider taking legal action. A lawyer specializing in banking law can advise you and assist you in enforcing your claims against the bank.
Additionally, I recommend carefully protecting your account details and not disclosing them casually. Avoid sharing sensitive information such as PINs or TANs with unknown third parties to prevent misuse.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you are better protected against unauthorized direct debits on your account in the future. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Carsten Ahlert
Lawyer specializing in banking law
