Member Says Fraudsters Drained $42,000—And VyStar Should Have Stopped It
By CU Today Staff —
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--A Jacksonville woman has sued $14.2-billion VyStar Credit Union, alleging it failed to properly investigate and reimburse approximately $42,000 stolen from her accounts after fraudsters impersonated the credit union and obtained her debit card, according to News4JAX.
The lawsuit, filed Aug. 14 in U.S. District Court in Jacksonville by Mary E. Maier, alleges unknown individuals gained unauthorized access to her online banking on Nov. 13, 2025, changed her password and later called pretending to be VyStar representatives.
According to News4JAX, the complaint further alleges VyStar’s internal records show an unauthorized device accessed Maier’s accounts at approximately 1:06 p.m. Nov. 13, before the impersonation call, and that her password was changed without her knowledge. Her attorneys also allege VyStar disabled security controls for marketing reasons and failed to apply fraud alerts that should have locked the accounts. Maier reported the activity Nov. 20, but the lawsuit alleges VyStar denied her claim because she provided her debit card and shared account information.
The lawsuit also alleges VyStar failed to provide a required written explanation, refused to provide requested documents, issued a provisional credit for less than the disputed amount and later blocked access to that credit, News4JAX reported. Maier later sent a second notice of error and formal document request by certified mail in June 2026, but alleges VyStar failed to investigate or respond within the time required under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E. She is seeking actual and statutory damages, attorneys’ fees and treble damages. The complaint also states the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Division has an open investigation involving Maier’s case and other similar cases involving VyStar customers.
VyStar declined to discuss the specifics of the lawsuit but told News4JAX: “While VyStar does not comment on the specifics of ongoing litigation, please be aware that VyStar continuously updates and strengthens its fraud detection and prevention systems.” The credit union added: “Banks and credit unions are continuing to see a sharp rise in scams where fraudsters convince victims to voluntarily hand over debit card numbers, PINs, and one-time passcodes, i.e., those credentials specifically designed to verify that the person transacting is the real accountholder.” VyStar said it “takes every case of fraud seriously and investigates thoroughly and fairly, consistent with applicable law, to determine appropriate outcomes for members.”
Originally reported by CU Today.