Finding out your bank account has been hacked is stressful and can feel overwhelming. Your money, personal information, and financial security may all be at risk.
Quick action can limit the damage. Knowing the right steps to take will help you secure your account, recover lost funds, and stop further fraud.
This guide explains exactly what to do if your bank account is hacked—from spotting warning signs to reporting the theft and setting up stronger protections for the future.
What to Do If Your Bank Account Is Hacked
If your bank account is hacked, act quickly to limit the damage and protect your money. Here are the key steps to take right away:
Step 1: Review and Freeze Account Activity
Start by checking your recent transactions. Look for purchases, transfers, or withdrawals you didn’t make. If you see anything suspicious, freeze your account immediately and notify your bank.
Your bank may ask you to provide identification or sign a statement confirming the unauthorized activity. Follow their instructions closely so your account can be secured and any fraudulent charges resolved.
Step 2: Notify Your Bank Immediately
Contact your bank’s fraud department as soon as possible. Share details such as when you first noticed the issue, what transactions looked suspicious, and whether you received unusual emails, calls, or texts around the same time.
Let them know if any personal information was changed, such as your mailing address or contact details. Your bank may add extra protections, like enhanced security questions or transaction alerts, to keep your account safer moving forward.
Step 3: Reset All Banking Passwords and PINs
Change your online banking password and ATM PIN right away. Choose strong, unique credentials with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse old passwords or share them with anyone.
Update the login details for connected accounts too, including your email and mobile banking apps, since hackers often try to break into multiple accounts once they gain access.
Step 4: Check Your Credit Reports for Fraud
Review your credit reports from all three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You want to confirm that no one opened new accounts or changed your personal details.
What to look for:
- New accounts: Credit cards, loans, or lines of credit you didn’t request.
- Profile changes: New addresses, phone numbers, or employers you don’t recognize.
- Hard inquiries: Applications you didn’t make.
Action steps:
- Get your reports: Request your free credit reports through the official annual access portal.
- Dispute errors: File disputes with each credit bureau for any fraudulent items.
- Add protection: Place a one-year fraud alert or a credit freeze to stop new credit from being opened in your name.
Step 5: Report the Hack to Police and FTC
Create a paper trail. A formal report helps with disputes and reimbursement.
Action steps:
- File with the FTC: Complete an identity theft report. You’ll receive a recovery plan and documentation to share with your bank and the credit bureaus.
- File a police report: Bring a government ID, proof of address, and any evidence (statements, screenshots, emails, texts). Include dates, amounts, and any known account numbers tied to the fraud.
- Share copies: Give your bank and the credit bureaus your FTC and police report numbers to support chargebacks and removals.
- Escalate if needed: If your bank does not resolve the issue, contact the FDIC or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for further help.
Step 6: Replace Compromised Credit and Debit Cards
Shut down the card that was used and switch to new credentials.
Action steps:
- Cancel and reissue: Ask your bank to close the affected card numbers and issue replacements with new numbers and PINs.
- Update autopayments: Move subscriptions and bills to the new card to prevent missed payments.
- Turn on alerts: Enable real-time transaction alerts and daily balance notifications.
- Watch activity: Check your accounts often over the next few months and report any unfamiliar charges immediately.
Signs Your Bank Account Has Been Hacked
Watch for these red flags that suggest someone may have gained access to your account:
- Unfamiliar transactions: Hackers often start with small test charges before moving on to larger purchases or withdrawals. Even a $1 or $2 charge you don’t recognize should raise concern.
- Purchases in strange locations: Transactions from cities or countries you haven’t visited are a common sign of account takeover.
- Unexpected calls or texts from your bank: Banks may contact you about suspicious activity, but they will never ask for your full password or PIN. Treat unexpected requests for sensitive details as potential scams.
- Blocked login attempts: Being locked out of your account after multiple failed password tries may mean someone else is attempting to sign in.
- Declined transactions: Your bank may freeze your card to prevent fraud, which can cause legitimate purchases to be declined.
- Closed or emptied account: In severe cases, hackers may drain funds or trigger a full account closure. This requires immediate action with your bank.
How to Prevent Your Bank Account From Being Hacked
Staying ahead of hackers requires a mix of strong security habits and ongoing awareness. These steps will help you protect your money and personal information:
- Use strong, unique passwords: Create passwords of at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid personal details like birthdays or names, and never reuse passwords across accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection by requiring a one-time code or authentication app in addition to your password.
- Secure your devices: Keep your phone, tablet, and computer updated with the latest software. Install trusted antivirus programs and avoid suspicious links or downloads.
- Avoid risky networks: Public Wi-Fi is easy to exploit. If you must bank online in public, use a VPN to keep your connection private.
- Set up alerts and monitor activity: Turn on transaction alerts from your bank and review your accounts regularly. Acting quickly on suspicious activity can prevent larger losses.
- Protect against future attacks: Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service, using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords, and setting up real-time fraud alerts from your bank. These tools give you faster warnings and stronger defenses if someone tries to access your accounts.
Final Thoughts
Having your bank account hacked can be alarming, but knowing what to do helps you stay in control. Acting fast, reporting the fraud, and tightening your security measures will go a long way toward protecting your finances.
The best defense is prevention. By using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring your accounts closely, you make it much harder for hackers to succeed. A few smart habits now can save you from major stress later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my money back if my bank account is hacked?
In most cases, yes. Banks are required to investigate fraud claims, and if they confirm the charges were unauthorized, they usually refund the money. The speed of reimbursement depends on how quickly you report the hack. Acting fast improves your chances of getting every dollar back.
How long does it take to recover stolen money from a hacked account?
The timeline varies by bank, but many resolve claims within 10 business days. More complex cases can take longer if the bank needs additional documentation. While waiting, keep monitoring your account and follow up regularly with your bank’s fraud department.
Should I close my bank account after it’s been hacked?
You don’t always need to close your account. Many banks can secure it by freezing activity, resetting credentials, and issuing new cards. However, if the compromise is severe or your bank recommends it, opening a new account may be the safest option.
Can someone hack my account with just my debit card number?
Yes. If criminals gain access to your card number and expiration date, they can often make online purchases. That’s why enabling transaction alerts, using secure networks, and monitoring your account closely are so important.
How can I make sure this doesn’t happen again?
Strengthen your security by using unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and setting up account alerts. Consider using a password manager and reviewing your credit reports a few times a year. These habits make it much harder for hackers to get back in.
