How To Block Your Bank Account And SIM Card

How To Block Your Bank Account And SIM Card – It can be very frustrating to lose your phone and wallet, or to have them stolen. However, if this occurs to you, there is no time to panic – the first thing you must do is ensure your protection. Here’s how to temporarily disable your SIM card and bank account in the event of an emergency.

1. Why Do You Need To Do It?

When your cell phone or wallet containing bank cards is stolen or lost, you may believe that the most significant loss is the phone or cards. However, there is a greater risk – using your phone or credit cards, the attacker or whoever discovers your missing things can gain access to your finances and even your identity.

As is the case with the majority of Nigerians, your bank information is almost certainly linked to your mobile phone number. Criminals can access your online banking account and move funds from your account to theirs simply by having your phone nearby. And it is not even the most dangerous scenario. There have been instances where a victim’s entire identity has been copied or compromised following the theft of their cell phone or bank cards. That is why, in the event of an emergency, the first thing you can do is block your SIM card and bank accounts.

2. How To Block Your SIM Card

There are three primary ways to block a SIM card remotely when your phone got misplaced or stolen:

1. With IMEI

IMEI is a serial number that is printed on the inside of your cell phone. Additionally, the IMEI can be located in the phone’s settings or in the box in which your device was delivered. If you purchased your phone used and without a package, it is a good idea to record the IMEI number somewhere.

2. Without IMEI

In case you didn’t save the IMEI number of your mobile phone, don’t worry – you can still block it whenever you need it. You can choose to block only your SIM card – in that case, you will need to contact your service provider. Alternatively, you can request your service provider to block the device even without the IMEI number – they will request your ID and will ask a few questions to determine whether you are the original owner of the device.

3. With Your Account

If you have an Apple or Android mobile phone, you can not only track its location but also remotely block your phone so that no one can use it. Simply open the Find My Phone or Find My Device for iOS and Android respectively, enter your login information, and proceed with the next steps.

Further Reading:

• How To Block Your Bank Account And SIM Card In Case Of Emergency
• Take these steps to close your bank account.

 How To Block Your Bank Account

If you have your cell phone but your bank cards have been stolen or you are concerned that your financial data has been compromised in some way, you can disable your bank account by dialing a specific number on your mobile phone.

While some banks require you to call a specific number in order to block your operation, others allow you to do so through a USSD code. Although you can disable the account from your phone, you will need to visit the bank in person to access it.

Each bank has a unique USSD code or phone number. You may obtain the correct code by contacting your phone’s customer service department or by visiting their website’s contacts section. The following are some numbers you can use to block your bank account:

• For Zenith Bank – #966*911#
• For GTBank – *737*51*10#
• For First Bank – text “BLOCK” to 30012
• For Union Bank – text “BLOCK CARD NUBAN” to 20123
• For FCMB Bank – call + 2342798800