Unauthorized Transactions Credit Union

Summary

Under regulation e, financial institutions cannot charge fees for investigating or providing documentation related to unauthorized transactions. You can request transaction records for up to seven years, emphasizing your rights under the electronic fund transfer act. Consider filing complaints with the california department of financial protection and innovation or the consumer financial protection bureau if the issue persists. Consulting an attorney familiar with california banking laws may also help recover losses.

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my credit union keeps letting merchants take money from account even though i have locked my card in their app and emailed numerous times to stop allowing unauthorized transactions and not my card is cancelled and still allowing money to be taken out and charging me *.* fee cuz of no money in accountbwen they allow merchants not authorized to take money. first california credit union in fresno ca.

Hi ****, I understand your frustration. Here are some general steps you can take regarding unauthorized transactions:
- **Dispute Transactions**: Contact First California Credit Union to dispute the unauthorized charges in writing, as required under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA).
- **Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)**: File a complaint with the CFPB if the issue persists.
- **Small Claims Court**: Consider filing in small claims court if the losses are significant.
Have you formally disputed these charges in writing with the credit union?

No but it’s been going all the way back at least * yrs

Hi ****, thank you for the clarification. Under the **Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA)**, you generally have 60 days from the date of the statement to dispute unauthorized transactions. Since this issue spans 4 years, the older disputes may not be covered. Have you considered consulting an attorney for potential exceptions under California law?

yes

Hi ****, since you've considered consulting an attorney, it may be beneficial to seek one familiar with banking law and California's specific consumer protection laws. Additionally, you may want to:
- Request all transaction records from the credit union.
- File a complaint with the **California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)**.
Would you like guidance on filing complaints?

yes

Hi ****, here’s how you can file complaints:
- **DFPI Complaint**: File online at www.dfpi.ca.gov or call (*) *-* for assistance.
- **CFPB Complaint**: Submit at www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Would you like step-by-step guidance for filing with either agency?

yes

Hi ****, here’s a step-by-step guide to filing complaints:
*. **DFPI Complaint**:
- Visit: [www.dfpi.ca.gov](https://www.dfpi.ca.gov).
- Click "File a Complaint" and select "Financial Institution" as the category.
- Complete the form with details of your issue and submit.
*. **CFPB Complaint**:
- Visit: [www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint).
- Choose the category “Bank Account or Service.”
- Provide details, upload supporting documents, and submit.
Would you like assistance preparing the required information?

yes

To prepare the required information for filing your complaints, ****, you'll need:
- Account statements showing unauthorized transactions.
- Emails or communications with the credit union about the issue.
- A timeline of events, including dates of disputes and responses.
- Your contact information.
Would you like help organizing these details?

should I contact attorney

Hi ****, consulting an attorney may be beneficial, especially if the issue spans years and involves significant losses. An attorney can assess whether exceptions under California law apply and guide you on recovering past losses. If needed, I can provide suggestions to help you prepare before contacting one. Interested?

yrs

Thank you, ****. Here are some steps to prepare before consulting an attorney:
- Gather all records of unauthorized transactions and fees.
- Compile communications with the credit union, including emails.
- Prepare a detailed timeline of events.
- Note any financial or emotional impacts caused.
Would you like help organizing these or finding legal resources?

yes to both

Hi ****, here’s how you can organize your details and find legal resources:

Organizing Your Details:
- **Records**: Collect account statements, unauthorized transaction records, and fees.
- **Communications**: Organize emails or letters with the credit union.
- **Timeline**: List all key dates and events.
- **Impacts**: Record financial or emotional harm caused.

Legal Resources in California:
- **California Bar Association**: Use their Lawyer Referral Service at [www.calbar.ca.gov](https://www.calbar.ca.gov).
- **Local Legal Aid**: Fresno residents can contact Central California Legal Services.
Would you like further assistance with these steps?

yes

Hi ****, to assist further:

Steps to Proceed:
- **Organizing Details**: Start with a folder (digital or physical) to compile all records, emails, and notes on emotional/financial impact.
- **Legal Aid**: Contact Central California Legal Services for free or low-cost assistance.

Central California Legal Services

Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.centralcallegal.org

Would you like help drafting a summary for legal aid or referrals?

yes

Hi ****, here’s how to draft a summary for legal aid or referrals:
- **Issue**: Describe the unauthorized transactions and fees, including dates.
- **Actions Taken**: Mention disputes, emails, and card cancellations.
- **Impact**: Highlight financial loss and stress caused.
- **Goal**: State your desired outcome (e.g., refunds, stopping further transactions).
Would you like help refining this summary?

Yes

Hi ****, to refine your summary for legal aid or referrals:
- **Issue**: Clearly outline the recurring unauthorized transactions over 4 years and the $* fees charged.
- **Actions Taken**: Detail your attempts to resolve (emails, card locks, cancellations).
- **Impact**: Specify financial/emotional harm.
- **Goal**: Request refunds and prevention of future transactions.
Would you like assistance reviewing your draft?

no contact attorney

Hi ****, it seems you're ready to contact an attorney to address this issue. To ensure a productive consultation, bring all your organized documents, including transaction records, communications, and your detailed summary. If you need further assistance before reaching out, feel free to ask. Good luck!

need a letter requesting account transactions for * yrs under my rights

Hi ****, here’s a general template you can use to request your account transactions for the past seven years:
---
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
First California Credit Union
[Fresno Branch Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Request for Account Transaction Records
Dear [Credit Union Representative or Department Name],
I am writing to formally request copies of my account transaction records for the past seven years under my rights as a customer. My account number is [Your Account Number].
This request is made in accordance with my rights under applicable banking and consumer protection laws, including the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA). Please include all records of transactions, fees, and communications related to my account.
I kindly ask for these records to be provided within [a reasonable time, e.g., 30 days]. If there are any fees associated with this request, please inform me in advance. You may contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you require further details or clarification.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
S

they can’t charge me a fee under regulation e

Hi ****, under **Regulation E** (Electronic Fund Transfer Act), financial institutions cannot charge a fee for investigating or providing documentation related to unauthorized transactions. However, they might charge for additional service requests, like extended account history.
Would you like help refining your request letter to emphasize your rights under Regulation E?

yes

Hi ****, here’s a refined version of your request letter emphasizing your rights under Regulation E:
---
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
First California Credit Union
[Fresno Branch Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
**Subject: Request for Account Transaction Records**
Dear [Credit Union Representative or Department Name],
I am writing to formally request my account transaction records for the past seven years. My account number is [Your Account Number].
Pursuant to my rights under **Regulation E** (Electronic Fund Transfer Act), I kindly request these records, including all transactions, fees, and communications, particularly those related to unauthorized transactions. Please note that under Regulation E, no fees may be charged for providing documentation related to unauthorized transactions.
I request these records to be provided within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 30 days). If clarification is needed, you may contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
---
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Unauthorized Transactions Credit Union

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