In today’s question of the day we’ll be looking at how to block bank account when phone is stolen as this something that can happen to anyone.
Well, I haven’t been in this type of situation, but I have seen it happen to a couple of people, including my sister.
It gets worse if you have a significant amount of money in your bank account.
The good news here is that some banks made a provision of blocking an account from another phone number or third party person.
This is so good because it is very fast and helpful in this type of situation.
How to block bank account when phone is stolen
To block an account if your phone is stolen, simply use the bank ussd code or use the bank phone numbers to contact the bank customer service representative to block your account.
These are the methods to block bank account when phone is stolen;
- By using the bank ussd code.
- By contacting the bank’s customer service representative.
- By using internet banking.
- By going to the bank.
1. By using the bank ussd code
Simply dial your bank’s USSD code to block the account, follow the on-screen instructions, and block your bank account. This can be done from any phone number or a third-party phone number.
For Example:
Access Bank has a USSD code to block Access Bank accounts. This USSD code can be dialed from any phone number, even if it is not linked to an Access Bank account.
If you dial the USSD code, you will see options including block account and third party.
Aside from Access Bank, First Bank and UBA also have the option to block an account from another phone number not linked to any UBA or First Bank account.
The USSD code is the fastest and most convenient method for blocking a bank account when a phone is lost or stolen.
Right now, I will explain some banks USSD codes to block a bank account from another phone when a phone is lost or stolen.
Access bank
For access bank, you have to dial *901*911# on any phone number.
Select block account >> third party >> enter the your phone number >> select your account number >> enter your access bank ussd pin.
That’s it.
Once you have entered your access bank USSD PIN, the account will be blocked.
This code can be dialed on a phone number even if the person does not have an access bank account.
I love this because itbis very helpful in this type of situation of how to block bank account when phone is stolen.
First bank
First Bank is another bank that gives you the option to dial the bank’s USSD code from any phone number to block your First Bank account in such a situation.
To block your first bank account from another phone, simply dial *894*911# and select block account followed by selecting YES for post no debit.
Enter the phone number linked to your bank account, select your account number, enter your USSD PIN, and that’s it.
Your account will be blocked.
This means all debit transactions will be restricted or blocked on your bank account.
You can read about Post no debit on bank account
For this method of using a ussd code to block a bank account from another phone, it is not available to all banks in Nigeria.
2. By contacting the bank’s customer service representative
This is another fastest way to block a bank account, and available to all banks in Nigeria.
All you need to do is get your bank’s phone number and call their customer service representative.
This may not be a toll-free line, as you will be charged.
But once you’re in a situation where your phone has been stolen, you need to act fast and call them, regardless of the call charges.
The bank will verify that you are the owner of the account by asking some questions, such as the phone number linked to your account, your mother’s maiden name, and your last three transactions.
Once you answer questions correctly, and the bank verifies your account ownership, they will approve your request and then block your account.
Immediately you notice your phone is stolen or lost, don’t hesitate to search your bank’s phone number on Google. Get it and call them.
It’s available 24/7, depending on the bank.
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3. By using internet banking
This is another method to block a bank account without going to the bank, by using the bank internet banking platform.
This can be done on any computer, tablet, or even mobile phone.
Though a computer is best due to the display, and most internet banking is designed for computers.
Once you are in this type of situation, go to your bank’s internet banking page and log in using your mobile banking username and password.
Some banks require a soft token or hardware token for internet banking.
For example, banks like Zenith Bank and First Bank require a soft token or hardware token for internet banking. Banks like Access Bank and GTBank allow using only your mobile banking app username and password for internet banking.
Once you’re able to login to your internet banking account, look for options to block your account and do it right away.
4. By going to the bank
This is your last option, and it is only available on weekdays.
Simply go to the bank, speak with the bank customer service representative, and request that your account be blocked because you lost your phone and SIM card linked to your account.
With your ID, they will block your account or impose post no debit on your bank account.
When it comes to how to block bank account when phone is stolen, simply use the bank ussd code, or call the bank customer service representative to block your account.
Other methods like using internet banking platform or by going to the bank works effectively.