Bank of America Says You Authorized a Transfer—but You Didn’t
An unfamiliar transfer can be especially confusing when Bank of America says it was authenticated. Describe who initiated the payment and what access that person had. Successful use of credentials and permission to move money are different factual questions.
Identify who actually initiated the payment
Describe whether you entered and sent the payment yourself, an intruder used your account, or someone manipulated you into sharing access information. Include uncomfortable details accurately. A scam-induced payment that you personally initiated needs a different analysis from a transfer initiated by a third party.
Preserve account-takeover evidence
Save login alerts, password-reset messages, changes to phone numbers or recipient details, and messages from anyone impersonating bank staff. Build a sequence of events before and after the transfer. Secure the account through verified bank channels; record when access was restored separately from when the money dispute was reported.
Match the legal analysis to the payment rail
The CFPB explains that transfers initiated by a fraudster using credentials obtained through fraud can qualify as unauthorized electronic fund transfers. That does not make every scam reimbursement claim identical. Identify whether this was a covered electronic transfer or another payment type. Read the CFPB’s electronic-transfer FAQs.
Ask what evidence supports the authorization finding
Obtain the bank’s explanation and identify the disputed assumption. Did the bank rely on a device, recipient history, or a security code? Explain any inconsistency with your records. Your attorney can review both the payment facts and the handling of your report; authentication evidence should be evaluated in context.
Frequently asked questions
What if I gave a code to someone pretending to be the bank?
Tell your attorney exactly what you shared and who initiated the transfer. Do not omit that fact; it can be important to the legal analysis.
Does this guide cover every wire transfer?
No. Traditional wire transfers may fall under different rules. Save the transfer confirmation so the payment method can be identified.
Related resources
Bank of America dispute resources · Bank of America Denied Your Debit-Card Fraud Claim: Reviewing the Decision