Unauthorized pre-authorized debit or debit continuing after cancellation
Cancel the agreement, dispute the withdrawal with the financial institution and preserve evidence within the deadlines.
If you recognize neither the payee nor the agreement, contact the financial institution immediately, secure account access and monitor the account. Do not rely only on writing to the merchant.
Identify the transaction type
Download the statement and record the payee name, amount, date, frequency and transaction code. Find the debit agreement, contract and any cancellation notice. A recurring card charge does not necessarily follow the same rules as a bank-account PAD.
Cancel with the biller
Use the cancellation method in the agreement and send a traceable written notice. Cancelling the PAD ends payment authorization but does not automatically cancel the underlying debt or contract.
Dispute it with the bank
Ask for the reimbursement process for a PAD that was unauthorized, for the wrong amount or date, or continued after cancellation. Act promptly because deadlines and required declarations depend on the reason and account.
Stop further debits without losing evidence
Ask whether a stop payment or new account information is needed. Keep statements, dispute forms, confirmations, the contract and correspondence. If unresolved, use the financial institution’s complaint process.