Free users have been warned via email that their IBANs might be compromised, prompting them to monitor their bank accounts closely. The article outlines the steps to contest unauthorized or suspicious withdrawals across various French banks. While most banks allow users to reject a withdrawal easily through their apps or online platforms, some may require contacting a bank advisor. Additionally, unauthorized withdrawals can be disputed for up to 13 months, ensuring a protective regulatory framework for customers.
Are you a Free customer? Have you received an email warning that your IBAN may be compromised? You’re advised to keep a close eye on your bank accounts… But what if you spot an unusual, unauthorized, or clearly fraudulent transaction? Can you dispute it in just a few clicks? The answer depends on your bank. Here’s how to respond, bank by bank.
Hello B., thank you for your question. Since you didn’t specify which bank you are with, we will outline the steps to contest an unauthorized transaction across major French banks.
Why? While it’s true that to initiate a direct debit, a mandate is required, a fraudster, who has “registered as a direct debit issuer with a payment service provider,” can forge “direct debit mandates to IBANs obtained illegally and without authorization, thus stealing funds,” the French Banking Federation acknowledged to AFP.
However, there’s no need to panic. If you encounter an unauthorized or fraudulent direct debit, you can contest it, and refunds are processed “unconditionally within 8 weeks, regardless of whether a mandate exists or not.” Beyond this quick response and unconditional refund, disputes can be made “up to 13 months from the date of the debit.”
In summary: in the event of IBAN theft involving Free, the regulatory framework is generally reassuring for banking users.
Bank Debits: How to Get Your Money Back After IBAN Theft
Easily Reject Transactions Directly in Your Banking App at Most French Banks
Now, let’s get practical. Your legitimate question, dear reader, focuses on how to reject a direct debit. Do you need to contact your bank advisor? Can you do it right away through your online account or banking app? The answer is straightforward: yes, you can usually block the debit yourself via your app, although it’s advisable to inform your bank as well. In most cases, disputing a direct debit is free.
How to Contest or Revoke a Direct Debit: What to Do? What Fees Apply?
La Banque Postale: “Disputes can be made through the mobile app, online banking, or by contacting your bank advisor. There are two forms of opposition available: temporary suspension or permanent revocation of a direct debit. In the mobile app, go to “Manage” at the bottom of the screen, then select “Direct Debit,” and click on the mandate you wish to revoke or suspend.” In the online customer area, navigate to “Transfers & Direct Debits,” then “My Direct Debits,” and choose “Consult & Manage”: “In the “Action” column, select the line corresponding to the direct debit you want to act on. Click “Revocation” and then validate.”
Crédit Agricole: “Using the ‘MaBanque’ mobile app, it is indeed possible to reject a debit by selecting ‘Manage the Operation.’ It’s also recommended to send a message to your advisor to report the fraud. The direct debit section can also be accessed via the online personal area on the website.”
Caisse d’Epargne: You can independently reject a direct debit through the customer area (“Banxo mobile app or online space”): “The customer logs in and goes to the deposit account where the debit is set up. In the “Manage” tab, they can view the direct debits for that account. In the “Mandates” tab, they can click “Block Direct Debits.” The opposition takes effect the next day. The customer can cancel this action at any time.” Additionally, L’Écureuil mentions that customers “can also call their advisor or visit the branch.”
SG: “From the client area on the app and website, in the “Direct Debits” menu, clicking on the details of a debit will reveal the option to “contest the transaction.”
Crédit Mutuel Arkéa (Brittany and South-West): Direct rejection via the app or online area is not available. “To reject a direct debit, we prefer direct contact between the client and their advisor or branch via online banking messaging, email, or phone,” states the bank.
LCL: “Through the mobile app or on the website ‘My Space,’ LCL customers can contest a debit (for transactions debited within the last 8 weeks) and/or oppose all future debits associated with a direct debit mandate.” However, to revoke a direct debit, that is, to cancel an ongoing mandate, you need