Phishing Online Fraud. What to do in the first hours after a banking scam to get your money back.

Online banking scams are becoming more common and complex. Victims of such fraud often fear their bank will blame them for the loss. After reporting the scam, it is not uncommon for banks to refuse to refund the money, citing the customer's negligence. However, a recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union may put a stop to this practice.

The case, decided in October, involved a woman in Poland who lost around seven hundred euros due to a phishing scam. The bank denied her refund, arguing she was "grossly negligent." The court disagreed with this stance, stating that the bank cannot use the carelessness argument to refuse a refund in some cases. Nonetheless, the ruling only applies to unauthorized transactions, like phishing, and not all scams fit this category.

Some banks may still refuse refunds, and there is still uncertainty about how consistently the ruling will be applied. It is crucial to act quickly. Notify the bank immediately, as the refund clock begins at the time of reporting. Document everything by reporting the scam to the police and preserving all messages, emails, and screenshots.

Follow up with a written request, referencing the ruling. If the bank still refuses to refund your money, don't lose hope. Seek assistance from a legal firm, such as White-Baos Lawyers, who specialize in helping clients in this exact situation.