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Guides Dispute a fraudulent bank transaction
Disputing a fraudulent bank transaction: time limits and steps
The answer depends in particular on the type of transaction, how it was authenticated and the circumstances in which it was authorised. Report the transactions to the bank quickly, dispute them in writing and keep the items that describe the fraud scenario. This page is provided for information only.
Legal information · ~6 min read · we will never ask for your codes.
Do this right away
As soon as you notice the fraud, three steps count, in this order: block the card, transfer or direct debit with your bank immediately; report it in writing (email or letter), asking for a refund; and keep all the evidence (texts, emails, statements, the caller’s number, screenshots of the transactions). Speed and traceability work in your favour.
From the bank to an appeal, in the right order
A solid dispute follows a clear path. At each step, keep the timeline, the evidence and your exchanges: that is what makes your file readable.
The principle: unauthorised transactions are refunded
For a payment transaction you did not authorise (an unrecognised transfer, direct debit or card payment) the framework protects the customer.
Refund in principle
After your written report, the bank must refund you by the end of the following business day at the latest (Art. L133-18 of the French Monetary and Financial Code).
Act straight away, even though the law allows 13 months
Alert your bank straight away. The law sets a limit of 13 months from the date of debit to dispute an unauthorised transaction (8 weeks in certain cases of a direct debit you had authorised), but a late report may be held against you.
“Gross negligence”
The bank can only refuse if it proves gross negligence on your part, meaning clearly reckless behaviour. The burden of proof is on the bank, not on you.
Fake adviser & spoofing
The Cour de cassation (chambre commerciale, its commercial division, 23 October 2024, No. 23-16.267) ruled that a customer deceived by a fake adviser calling from their bank’s real number had not committed gross negligence. But it clarified (4 March 2026, No. 24-19.588) that the judge must check whether the approval messages displayed on your phone should have alerted you, for example “payment” instead of “cancellation”. Always read these messages before approving.
In practice: if you did not authorise the transaction, a refund is the rule and a refusal the exception. It is up to the bank to prove gross negligence on your part, not up to you to prove your good faith. And even when you were manipulated on the phone by a fake adviser, trusting a call that appeared to come from your bank is not, on its own, enough to amount to gross negligence; each situation is examined case by case.
A stronger framework in favour of victims
Several recent changes better protect individuals and speed up the handling of fraud.
Verification of payee
Since October 2025, your bank checks that the name and the IBAN match before a transfer (VOP, EU regulation).
Register of fraudulent accounts
Created by the law of 6 November 2025 and operational since May 2026, the FNC-RF aims to detect and block “mule” accounts used by fraudsters more quickly.
Step-by-step options for redress
If you are refused: a reasoned written answer, then the banking ombudsman (free), then the civil court if necessary.
Galyct Perso’s role
We help you put together a clear file (timeline, evidence, letters) for your formal steps. We are neither a bank nor a lawyer, and we guarantee no refund.
What can weaken your file
A few reflexes, often driven by panic, can weaken your dispute. Knowing them already helps you avoid them.
Don’t give out any more codes
No more codes, passwords or approvals, even to an “adviser” on the phone. A real bank will never ask you for them.
Don’t wait
More than 13 months after the debit, a dispute is no longer admissible. And the earlier you report in writing, the stronger the file.
Don’t approve anything “to cancel it”
Approving a transaction “to block the fraud” is a classic trap: in reality, it authorises the transfer. Never approve something you did not initiate.
No verbal refusals
Don’t settle for a “no” on the phone. Always ask for a reasoned written answer: it opens up the next options for redress.
The questions you may be asking
Does the bank always have to refund me?
For an unauthorised transaction, a refund is the principle (Art. L133-18). The bank can only refuse by proving gross negligence on your part. Each situation is assessed case by case.
I approved the transaction myself, manipulated by a fake adviser. Do I have any options?
These cases are now better taken into account: recent case law from the French Court of Cassation has ruled, in several cases, that trusting a call displaying the bank’s official number does not, on its own, amount to gross negligence. Each case is still assessed individually, and a refusal to refund can be challenged (ombudsman, court).
What is the time limit to act?
As early as possible: alert your bank straight away, in writing. The law sets a limit of 13 months from the date of debit for an unauthorised transaction, but a late report weakens your file.
What if the bank refuses?
Ask for a reasoned written refusal, refer the matter to the banking ombudsman free of charge, then, as a last resort, to the civil court. A well-documented file makes the difference.
Can Galyct Perso get my refund for me?
No. We help assess the situation, gather the evidence and prepare your letters and formal steps. The refund depends on your bank, the ombudsman or the judge, never on us, and we do not promise it.
Unsure what to do next?
The free pre-diagnosis assesses your situation, identifies the useful evidence and tells you whether you need a technical intervention, a report or simply some support. Galyct Perso informs and supports you, but does not replace your bank, the police or a lawyer, guarantees no refund and will never ask for your codes. Your data stays in France.
These sources are authoritative
This page is for information and does not constitute legal advice. For your formal steps, rely on the official sources below.
More guides & situations
Before asserting your rights, the essential thing is to secure and preserve the evidence. Here is where to go next.
Act now
The 6 immediate reflexes and how to preserve the evidence before cleaning anything up.
See the guides →Recognise the scam
Fake adviser, fake support, hacked account: find your situation and its right reflexes.
See the situations →Filing a police report & reporting
Police report, Perceval, PHAROS, Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr: what each service is for and in what order to act.
See the guides →Start with the free diagnosis.
In a few minutes, you’ll know what to do and in what order, and then you decide whether you want an expert’s help.