Bank refusing to refund $800 fraudulent charge from debit card

In mid-May, I noticed an $800 fraudulent charge, likely from someone buying gift cards at Nordstrom Rack. My last purchase from Nordstrom was in 2014, and the closest recent charge was for dog food at Petco.

I spotted the charge on the same day since I frequently check my accounts. I immediately canceled the card, went to the bank for a replacement, and applied for a new credit card (lesson learned).

Today, the bank informed me that the charge will stand. Aside from escalating the issue with the branch manager on Monday, is there anything else I can do? It’s a small credit union, and I’m considering switching banks soon.

Hello, A small credit union likely won’t handle chargebacks directly, relying instead on third-party services, which have seen declining quality over the years—unfortunately, a common trend.
However, a key advantage of smaller credit unions is that persistent complaints can eventually reach someone with the authority to help. In larger institutions, reaching such a person can be much harder.

Hello, Gather as much information as possible about the charge—whether it was in person, online, and the exact details (time, store branch, etc.). File a police report and check when you last had or used the card. Provide all details to the authorities. If your card was physically present, a counterfeiting ring may be involved, and the bank/credit union should investigate. Ensure you’re working with the fraud department, not the general staff, as this situation requires higher-level attention.

Hey Fam, It seems your fraud claim may have expired due to no response. Check if they mailed you anything and confirm the address. Often, fraud claims require a quick written response. Be cautious when threatening to leave, as it could backfire. Regardless, consider opening multiple bank or credit union accounts for backup, as relying on one institution can be risky with fraud and unexpected closures nowadays.

Hey, I will recommend you avoid using debit cards for shopping due to this exact reason. With fraud, it’s the credit card company’s funds at risk, not yours. When your own money is involved, banks lack the motivation to act.