Thanks to the incredible changes the Internet has brought on the world of banking and credit cards, people now check the balance and the transactions on their accounts much more frequently than they ever have before. It wasn’t that long ago that the only time you saw a list of bank transactions on your account was when you got your paper statement in the mail. For this reason, most banks are now significantly more forthcoming when it comes to reimbursing customers for fraudulent transactions on their accounts, since people tend to catch them so much sooner. However, if you do catch a fraudulent transaction on your bank account, some banks require a formal letter to be written and handed in. Here are a few tips for writing a formal dispute of a fraudulent bank transaction.

First, it is important to note that if you spot a fraudulent transaction on your account, pick up the phone right away and call your bank and let them know. They will tell you if they require a letter written. Letters like these are becoming less and less popular since so many banks now offer no questions asked fraud protection.

Start your letter off in general formal style with the address of the bank first and then your address below. Next, start with a formal opening and simply state your name, account number and that a fraudulent transaction has appeared on your account and on what day.

Next, make sure you state when you saw the fraudulent transaction for the first time and how long it took you to contact the bank and let them know. If you recently lost your wallet or if you feel that your account was breeched and you are aware of the exact moment that happened, tell the bank. If you lost your wallet and you never contacted your bank that there could be a breech, you may not be able to get your money back as it is your responsibility to notify the bank when there is a problem such as this.

It also helps to mention the final transaction you were responsible for making before and after the transaction in question. Finally, make a formal request that the funds that were spent on the fraudulent transaction be returned to you in full as soon as possible. Sign the letter and either hand deliver it or mail it to your bank as soon as possible.

Since the experience of having your account compromised can lead to anger, it is a common mistake to write this letter to your bank with an angry or frustrated tone. That is a mistake. Chances are, it wasn’t your bank’s fault that this transaction happened, so don’t take it out on them. Write the letter with a neutral but firm tone and try not to let any emotion at all enter into it.

Having unauthorized transactions show up on your bank account is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world, either.