Unauthorized Transactions Persisted Despite New Cards
A Chicago family faced repeat fraud on their bank accounts even after repeatedly requesting replacement debit cards.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Credit Cards
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A mother and daughter in Chicago reported ongoing unauthorized transactions on their Bank of America accounts despite receiving numerous replacement debit cards. Bank of America is currently investigating the claims involving activity in states including New York and California.
Why it matters
When recurring unauthorized charges persist after card replacements, it may indicate that fraudsters have gained access to deeper digital credentials or that payment networks are automatically updating merchant files with new account information.
Brenda Williams has received between 15 and 20 replacement cards since 2021, including 6 in 2026 alone, while her mother Louise Williams has received 7 to 8 replacements. The family reports that some bank credits issued for these disputes were later reversed.
The players
Bank of America
A major financial institution that provides consumer banking, debit cards, and credit services.
Better Business Bureau
An organization that tracks consumer complaints and mediates disputes between businesses and the public.
The details
Fraudsters may maintain persistent access to an account through compromised online banking credentials or infected devices. Additionally, card network account-updating services can automatically provide merchants with new payment details when a customer is issued a replacement card, potentially allowing unauthorized recurring charges to continue uninterrupted.
Timeline
Unauthorized transactions were first reported by Brenda Williams in 2021.
Brenda Williams received at least 6 replacement cards during 2026.
Money Landscape
Automated account-updating services are designed to prevent subscription service disruptions for consumers. This case highlights how that convenience feature can inadvertently facilitate the continuation of fraud when underlying account security is compromised.
If you experience recurring unauthorized charges, contact your bank to specifically request that they disable any automated account-updater services linked to your card. Consider consulting a financial professional to discuss whether a full account closure is necessary to protect your funds.
The takeaway
Persistent fraud often requires a deeper intervention than simply replacing a physical debit card. If you detect unauthorized activity that continues across multiple new cards, request that your bank issue a new account number entirely rather than just a new card.
Further reading
For tips on securing your accounts, review our guidance on Credit Cards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
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