Call Chase's fraud line when ready if you see charges you didn't make

Chase's dedicated fraud reporting number is 1-800-935-9935. This line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, have your card in front of you and be ready to describe the fraudulent charges — the merchant name, the amount, and the date they appeared.

The person who answers will ask you to verify your identity using information only you would know: your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account. After verification, they will walk you through each disputed charge and document what happened.

Chase will cancel your current card and issue a replacement, usually arriving within 5 to 7 business days. In the meantime, your account remains active for online and phone transactions if you need it, though the physical card is blocked.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 to report fraud on a Chase credit card; the line is open around the clock.
  • You are not responsible for fraudulent charges once you report them, and Chase will reverse them while they investigate.
  • A replacement card arrives in about a week, but you can use your account online or by phone when ready after reporting.
  • Fraudulent charges may take 30 to 90 days to fully investigate, but you can use your account normally during that time.

What happens after you report the fraud

Once you report a charge as fraudulent, Chase places a temporary credit on your account for that amount while they investigate. You are not responsible for paying it. This credit appears within one to three business days.

Chase then contacts the merchant or the bank that processed the transaction to gather evidence. They ask for receipts, signatures, or proof that the charge was authorized. If the merchant cannot prove you made the purchase, Chase removes the charge permanently and closes the case.

The full investigation typically takes 30 to 90 days. You will receive written notice of the outcome by mail. If Chase determines the charge was fraudulent, the temporary credit becomes permanent and you owe nothing. If they cannot confirm fraud, they will explain why and you may dispute it again.

How fraudulent charges appear on your statement

Fraudulent charges show up on your monthly statement just like legitimate ones — with a merchant name, date, and amount. The difference is you did not authorize them. They might appear as a single large charge, multiple small charges from the same merchant, or charges from merchants you have never heard of.

Some fraud is obvious: a charge from a store in another country when you never left home. Other fraud is harder to spot: a charge from a gas station near your house that you did not visit, or a subscription service you do not remember signing up for. Check your statement monthly, even if you think you have not used the card.

If you notice fraud, report it as soon as you see it. The sooner you call, the sooner Chase can reverse the charges and investigate. There is no penalty for reporting fraud, even if you are wrong about a charge — Chase will straightforward confirm that you authorized it and close the case.

Protecting your card from future fraud

After reporting fraud, take steps to prevent it from happening again. Change your online banking password to something unique — a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols that you do not use anywhere else.

If your physical card was stolen or lost, you have already reported it and a new one is on the way. If your card number was stolen but the card itself is safe, you can keep using it once the fraudulent charges are reversed. Chase will not force you to replace a card unless the physical card is compromised.

Consider turning on Chase's fraud alerts through your online account. You can set up text or email notifications for large purchases, international transactions, or any charge over a dollar amount you choose. These alerts let you catch fraud faster than waiting for your monthly statement.

What to do if you cannot reach the fraud line

The fraud line is staffed 24/7, but during peak hours you may wait on hold. If you cannot reach anyone when ready, you have other options. Log into your Chase online account or mobile app and look for a "Report Fraud" or "Dispute a Transaction" link, usually found under Account Services or Help.

You can also visit a Chase branch in person with your card and ID. A banker can file a fraud report on the spot and issue a temporary card if you need one right away. Bring your statement or a photo of the fraudulent charges so the banker can see exactly what you are reporting.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the relay service: call 1-800-935-9935 and ask for TTY. Chase will connect you to a relay operator who will relay your conversation.

Understanding your protection against fraud

Federal law protects you from liability on fraudulent credit card charges. Once you report fraud to Chase, you are not responsible for those charges, period. This protection applies whether someone stole your physical card, your card number, or your online login information.

Your liability is zero — not a small amount, not a deductible, but zero. Chase absorbs the loss and recovers it from the merchant or the bank that processed the fraudulent transaction. This is why credit cards are safer than debit cards for fraud: with a debit card, the money is already gone from your account and you have to fight to get it back.

The only exception is if you were negligent — for example, if you wrote your PIN on the back of your card or shared your login credentials with someone. In that case, Chase may hold you responsible for some or all of the fraud. But if you kept your card and information find, you have nothing to worry about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the fraudulent charges while Chase investigates?

No. Chase places a temporary credit on your account for the fraudulent amount as soon as you report it. You do not owe that money while they investigate, and if they confirm it was fraud, the credit becomes permanent. You only pay if Chase determines the charge was authorized.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Most replacement cards arrive within 5 to 7 business days. If you need a card sooner, visit a Chase branch and ask for a temporary card, which they can issue on the spot. You can also use your account online or by phone while you wait for the replacement.

What if I recognize the merchant but don't remember making the purchase?

Contact the merchant first to ask if they have a record of your purchase. If they cannot confirm it, report it to Chase as fraud. If the merchant confirms you made the purchase but you genuinely do not remember it, you can still dispute it — Chase will investigate and determine whether you authorized it.

Can I report fraud on an old statement from months ago?

You can report fraud up to 60 days after the charge appears on your statement. After 60 days, federal law no longer requires Chase to investigate or reverse the charge. Report fraud as soon as you notice it to stay within this window.

What if the same merchant charges me fraudulently multiple times?

Report each charge separately when you call the fraud line. Chase will investigate all of them together and may flag that merchant's account for suspicious activity. If the fraud continues after you report it, consider requesting a new card number or closing the account entirely.