Dispute a Fraudulent Capital One Charge

Noticed an unauthorized Capital One charge? Learn how to dispute fraudulent transactions fast using the app, website, or by phone. Protect your money.

If you’ve spotted a charge on your Capital One card that you didn’t make, act quickly. Whether it’s a small unfamiliar transaction or a major purchase you don’t recognize, Capital One lets you dispute fraud easily — online, in the app, or by phone.

Here’s exactly how to file a dispute and what to expect after.

🚨 Step 1: Confirm It’s Fraud

Before filing a dispute, double-check the charge:

• Was it a subscription or auto-renewal you forgot about?
  
  

• Is it a legitimate merchant under a different name?
  
  

• Did a family member use your card?
  
  

If you're still unsure or didn’t authorize the charge, continue to the next step.

✅ Step 2: Lock Your Card (Optional but Recommended)

If you suspect fraud, you can temporarily lock your card to prevent further charges.

How to lock it:

• Open the Capital One mobile app
  
  

• Tap your card
  
  

• Select “Lock Card”
  
  

This can be undone instantly if needed.

📝 Step 3: File a Dispute

You can dispute a charge with Capital One in 3 ways:

🔹 Option 1: Use the Capital One App

1. Open the app
   
   

2. Tap the card with the suspicious charge
   
   

3. Find and select the transaction
   
   

4. Tap “Report a Problem” or “Dispute This Charge”
   
   

5. Follow the prompts to explain the issue
   
   

6. Submit the dispute
   
   

You’ll receive updates in the app or by email.

🔹 Option 2: File a Dispute Online

1. Log in to capitalone.com
   
   

2. Go to your transactions
   
   

3. Click the charge you want to dispute
   
   

4. Select “Dispute Charge”
   
   

5. Submit the form and wait for confirmation
   
   

🔹 Option 3: Call Capital One (For Urgent Issues)

If the charge is large or time-sensitive, call:

• Dispute & Fraud Line: 1‑800‑427‑9428 (24/7)
  
  

• International: 1‑804‑934‑2001
  
  

Be prepared to explain which charges are unauthorized and verify your identity.

📦 Step 4: Track Your Dispute

After filing, Capital One will:

• Temporarily credit your account in some cases
  
  

• Investigate the charge with the merchant
  
  

• Send you updates via email, app, or secure message
  
  

Most disputes are resolved in 30–45 days, depending on the situation.

💰 What Happens Next?

If Capital One determines the charge is fraudulent:

• The temporary credit becomes permanent
  
  

• Your card may be replaced with a new number
  
  

• You’ll receive a decision letter or message confirming the outcome
  
  

If it’s not ruled as fraud, they may reverse the credit — but you’ll be notified.

🧠 Tips to Prevent Future Fraud

• Turn on real-time alerts in the Capital One app
  
  

• Lock your card when you’re not using it
  
  

• Regularly review transactions for anything unusual
  
  

• Avoid storing your card on random shopping sites
  
  

• Use virtual card numbers (available with some Capital One accounts)
  
  

🔗 Related Help Articles

• Fix a Locked Capital One Card in 3 Steps
  
  

• How to Contact Capital One Customer Support
  
  

• Report a Lost or Stolen Capital One Card
  
  

✅ Final Word

Fraud can happen — but Capital One gives you easy tools to fight back. Use the app or website to dispute any unauthorized charge. The sooner you act, the better your protection.