How can I take action against unauthorized withdrawals from my account?
January 11, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Carsten Ahlert
Dear Bank Law Attorney,
My name is Jan Böhm and in the past few weeks I have noticed unauthorized withdrawals from my account. I have carefully reviewed my bank statements and discovered that amounts have been debited without my authorization.
I am concerned about this situation, as my account holds my hard-earned money and I do not want it to be unlawfully debited. The amounts vary and have been debited by different companies that I have never heard of. I have already contacted my bank, but they could not provide me with specific information and advised me to dispute the withdrawals.
I am now wondering how I can address these unauthorized withdrawals. What steps should I take next to recover my money and ensure that no further unauthorized withdrawals are made from my account? Are there legal steps I can take to protect myself from such incidents in the future?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with your expertise and advice on this matter. I am willing to take the necessary steps to ensure my financial security and address these unauthorized withdrawals.
Sincerely,
Jan Böhm
Dear Mr. Böhm,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding unauthorized withdrawals from your account. It is understandable that you are concerned about this situation, as it involves your hard-earned money. Unauthorized withdrawals can have various causes, such as fraudulent activities, errors on the part of the payee, or technical issues.
The first step you have already taken was to contact your bank. It is important that you report the unauthorized withdrawals immediately so that the bank can initiate an investigation. In many cases, unauthorized withdrawals can be reversed and your money refunded to you. It is advisable to gather all relevant information about the withdrawals, such as date, amount, name of the payee, and any account details if available.
If your bank is unable to provide specific information or resolve the unauthorized withdrawals, as a consumer, you have certain rights. According to the Payment Services Regulations, you have the right to request a refund within 13 months of the withdrawal. If your bank cannot resolve the case to your satisfaction, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service for payment disputes to seek an independent resolution.
It is also recommended to regularly monitor your account activity and report any suspicious transactions immediately. You can also ask your bank to activate additional security measures for your account, such as SMS notifications for withdrawals above a certain amount.
To better protect yourself from unauthorized withdrawals in the future, make sure to keep your personal information and account details secure. Avoid sharing sensitive information like PINs or passwords, and avoid entering them on insecure websites.
Lastly, I recommend seeking advice from a specialized lawyer in banking law for any further questions or legal steps. A lawyer can help you defend your rights and take legal action against fraudulent or unauthorized withdrawals.
I hope that my advice will assist you and support you in your case. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Carsten Ahlert
Banking Law Attorney
