Practically though you first have to dispute fraudulent transactions and file chargebacks. For the most part it's easy, but for certain online transactions the bank will tell you to go and talk to the merchant directly. I had my credit card used to subscribe to the adult dating site. When I called the bank (Royal Bank of Canada, a very large, if not largest bank in Canada), they simply transferred my call to that company and I had to prove them that it wasn't me who subscribed with my credit card. They kept asking for my email address and the phone number "to compare to those on file", and the only thing that helped was actually yelling and swearing at them.
YMMV, but $50 in damages is only a part of the package.
I've heard this repeated so many times it is almost becoming an internet meme. I suspect because most younger people have never seen a cheque, they think it is somehow "risky" to show the account number and BSB number.
It's not true. All cheques have them printed on them and have done for decades. The payments clearing system worked fine for all that time, and it still does.
This is largely a consequence of article 60 and 61 of EU directive 2007/64/EC [1] (some countries have been lagging behind in implementing the directive, though, so don't expect it to be the law everywhere in Europe).
[1] http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2...
I lost my card and someone found it, went to biggest/main branch of the bank in nuremberg and draw 100€ from cash desk ( this all happened in 3 hours and yes, bank personal doesnt asked/checked identity ). When i found out i lost my card, i called the service line and blocked my card ( though confirmation, my card wasn't blocked ).
After two week rush and paperwork i get my money back ( i know i lost my time but it was never about money ).
There is always some chance to get your money back but the real problem is you're loosing your liquid that's why debit cards has daily/weekly limits.
Then you are on a child abuse register - your life is over. There is no trial because the data just goes straight to a police database and since computers are never wrong how can the police be wrong?
Of course you could try suing the police and insisting on a trial to prove your innocence ;-) If you knew you were on the secret registry, but you would only discover this when you apply to coach your kid's school soccer team and find a SWAT unit turn up at your house.