What to Do If You Detect Fraudulent Transactions On UnionBank Credit Card

What to Do If You Detect Fraudulent Transactions on Your UnionBank Credit Card

Imagine this: you’re checking your UnionBank credit card bill and suddenly see a charge you don’t remember making — maybe a purchase from a store you’ve never visited or an online order you didn’t place. Nakakakaba, right?

Credit card fraud can happen to anyone — even first-time users who just started using their cards online. The good news? UnionBank has clear steps to protect you and recover any unauthorized charges. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if you detect a fraudulent transaction, how to secure your card, and what to expect from the investigation process.

⚠️ What Counts as a Fraudulent Transaction?

Before taking action, it’s important to confirm if a transaction is truly fraudulent or just a misunderstanding.

Common examples of fraudulent transactions include:

Charges from stores or websites you never used
Duplicate charges for a single purchase
Purchases made while your card was physically with you
Transactions in a different city or country
Sudden big-ticket online orders

Sometimes, though, a transaction might look suspicious but isn’t fraud — for example, when a merchant uses a third-party payment processor (so the name on your bill looks unfamiliar).

👉 Tip: Always review your UnionBank Credit Card Statement of Account or check the UnionBank Online app to verify if the charge corresponds to something you actually bought.

🧩 Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do When You Spot a Fraudulent Transaction

🪪 Step 1: Verify the Transaction

Double-check your recent receipts, online subscriptions, and family members who might be authorized card users. A lot of “unknown” charges turn out to be:

Auto-renewed subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
App store purchases by family members
Delayed posting of old transactions

Once you’re sure the charge wasn’t yours — proceed to the next step immediately.

📞 Step 2: Contact the UnionBank Credit Card Hotline

Call UnionBank’s 24/7 Credit Card Hotline as soon as you confirm a suspicious transaction.

Hotline numbers:

📱 Within Metro Manila: (02) 841-8600
☎️ Toll-free (outside Metro Manila): 1-800-1888-2277

Tell the agent you’ve detected a potential fraudulent transaction. Be ready to provide:

Your full name (as shown on card)
The last 4 digits of your card number
The transaction amount and date in question

The bank will temporarily block your card to prevent further charges.

🧾 Step 3: Dispute the Transaction

After reporting the issue, you’ll be asked to file a dispute form. You can do this via:

UnionBank Online App: Go to Help > Dispute a Transaction
Email: The bank may send you a dispute form to fill out and send back

Include all necessary details such as:

Transaction date and amount
Merchant name
Reason for dispute (e.g., “I didn’t make this purchase”)

Once submitted, the bank will begin its investigation, which typically takes 30 to 45 days, depending on the case and the merchant’s response.

💳 Step 4: Request for Card Replacement

UnionBank will usually issue you a new credit card with a different number to ensure your account remains secure. This is free in most fraud cases.

Your old card will be permanently blocked, and any future recurring payments (like subscriptions) will need to be updated with your new card details.

🔍 Step 5: Monitor Your Account Regularly

After you’ve filed your report, keep monitoring your UnionBank Online account and monthly statements.

Enable SMS or email alerts for every transaction.
Review your statement line-by-line before paying.
Change your online banking password for extra safety.

🔒 How to Prevent Credit Card Fraud in the Future

Preventing fraud is always easier than fixing it. Here are proven ways to secure your UnionBank credit card:

🛍️ 1. Shop Only on Secure Websites

Always check for “https://” before entering card details. Avoid random links or “too good to be true” promos.

📲 2. Enable 3D Secure / OTP for Online Purchases

UnionBank uses UnionBank Online Secure (powered by 3D Secure) to send a One-Time Password (OTP) before completing online payments.
This feature ensures that even if someone knows your card number, they can’t complete a purchase without your OTP.

If your card doesn’t prompt OTP verification, call the hotline to activate this feature.

🚫 3. Avoid Sharing Card Details

Never share your card number, CVV, or OTP over text, phone, or social media — even if the message “looks official.”
UnionBank and other legitimate banks will never ask for your OTP.

🧠 4. Check Statements Every Month

Make it a habit to review your monthly statement or UnionBank app regularly. Early detection is the best protection.

🪪 5. Keep Your Card in a Safe Place

If you’re not using it, store it securely. Never lend your card — even to friends or family — unless you fully trust them.

💡 Example: How Fraud Can Happen and Be Resolved Quickly

Let’s say Anna, a first-time UnionBank credit card user, receives a ₱9,000 charge from a website in Singapore. She never shopped there.

Here’s how she resolved it smoothly:

She checked her UnionBank app and confirmed the charge was unauthorized.
She called the UnionBank hotline immediately.
Her card was blocked instantly and she was emailed a dispute form.
She filled out and sent the form within the same day.
UnionBank issued a new card in 5 days and reversed the ₱9,000 charge after the investigation confirmed it was fraud.

Moral of the story: Act fast and keep calm. UnionBank’s system is designed to protect cardholders from fraud losses.

🧮 Tip: Estimate Your Credit Card Costs and Charges

If you’re worried about hidden fees or interest when you use your card responsibly, you can try the Credit Card Cost Calculator.
It’s a simple way to estimate how much you’ll pay in interest or fees if you carry a balance — helping you manage your credit card wisely.

🧭 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Here’s a quick summary of what to do if you detect a fraudulent transaction:

Verify the transaction first.
Call UnionBank Credit Card Hotline immediately.
File a dispute form through the app or email.
Request a card replacement.
Monitor your account regularly.
Activate 3D Secure / OTP for added protection.

UnionBank will guide you through the process, and most cases are resolved with full reversal once verified.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does UnionBank take to investigate fraudulent charges?

Usually 30–45 days, depending on the merchant’s response time and transaction type.

2. Will I be charged for a new card after fraud?

No. UnionBank typically issues free replacement cards in confirmed fraud cases.

3. What if I accidentally approved a fraudulent OTP?

Call the UnionBank hotline immediately. They can still block the transaction if it hasn’t been fully posted yet.

4. Can I get a refund for the fraudulent charge?

Yes. Once the dispute is resolved in your favor, UnionBank reverses the charge and restores your available credit.

5. How can I stop this from happening again?

Use OTP verification, shop only on secure websites, and monitor your credit card statements regularly.

💬 Final Thoughts

Fraudulent transactions can be scary — especially for new credit card users — but they’re manageable if you act fast.
UnionBank’s fraud prevention system, OTP verification, and responsive support team help ensure your money and personal data remain protected.

Remember: a credit card is a powerful tool when used safely.
Stay alert, review your statements, and don’t hesitate to use UnionBank’s hotline the moment something looks off.