Unauthorized charge
"I did not make this charge and did not authorize anyone to make it on my behalf."
What's happening here
Someone made a purchase using your card details without your knowledge. This can happen after a data breach, card skimming, or account takeover. You did not authorize the charge and did not benefit from it. Banks are required under Regulation E (debit) and Regulation Z (credit) to investigate these claims.
Evidence to gather before disputing
Banks require documentation before they'll investigate. Collect these before you file:
- 01Statement showing the charge
- 02Police report (if identity theft is suspected)
- 03Record of when you last had physical possession of the card
- 04Any fraud alerts or notifications from your bank
Dispute reason codes
These Visa/Mastercard chargeback reason codes apply to this scenario. Your bank handles the coding — this is for reference.
Time sensitivity
This scenario has the highest time urgency. Unauthorized charges should be reported within days — not weeks. The sooner you file, the better your protections under Regulation E (debit) or Regulation Z (credit).
Charges commonly linked to this scenario
These descriptors appear on statements alongside similar disputes.
PAYPAL *MERCHANT
PayPal-processed transactions · widely reported
Seen this on your statement? →
540
reports
ROBLOX.COM
Roblox — kids in-app spending is common · consistent pattern
Seen this on your statement? →
190
reports
PLAYSTATIONNETWORK
PlayStation Network and PS Plus · early signal
110
reports
EPICGAMES
Epic Games / Fortnite V-Bucks · early signal
110
reports
NINTENDO *ESHOP
Nintendo eShop purchases · early signal
85
reports
Ready to dispute?
Generate a letter for this exact scenario, pre-filled with bank-specific details.