Most of my readers often ask me how can they can block their bank account and ATM CARD via mobile phone in case of theft, suspicious transactions or card loss. Last week I got a phone call from my military friend who’s currently in Adamawa state Nigeria, requesting to know how he can block his bank account temporarily due to fraudsters withdrawing money from his bank account.
Nigeria Banks has introduced a process on how customers can easily hotlink/ block their account or deactivate ussd code if they misplace their phone or debit card. To block an account, the account holder must confirm the request using their USSD PIN, which means no one can initiate a block account request on behalf of a third party just by knowing their phone number or account number.
In this article you will learn how to block various bank accounts and ATM cards in Nigeria, as we compiled the list of USSD codes to dial from your mobile phone linked to your account to prevent fraudulent transactions.
In case you fall in the hands of 419, yahoo boys, or phone snatchers, and you think they may hack into your account for fund withdrawals, there is now a way out to stop debit transactions on your account by yourself.“Just be sure that you know your account number offhand or retrieve it where you might have written it (in case you don’t know it offhand). If it is your phone that is stolen just try and use any available cell phone from anyone else.
1. First Bank
To Deactivate or block your First bank account or ATM Card using Your Mobile Number on USSD simply Dial *894*911# to hotlink it for further unauthorized withdrawal or Simply SMS “BLOCK” to 30012 via the SMS alert number registered with your account.
Also you make use of Mobile App to block your first bank ATM card :simply follow the steps given below to hotlink your card.
1. Open your First Bank Mobile App (First Mobile)
2. Press Option and then go to Card Services.
3. Select your card type and then click on the hotlist card, follow all instructions to complete the action.
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2. GTBank
Gtbank customers can block their account or ATM by Dialing *737*51*10# to Hotlist/Block your Card using any mobile number in Nigeria from the comfort of your zone,anywhere and any time without visiting any branch
You can also make use of Gtbank Mobile Banking via sms just send : “hotlist<NUBAN to 0807666-555 from your registered phone number with your gtbank
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3. Fidelity Bank account
Fidelity bank account holders can block their account or USSD banking profile. by dialing *770*911*PhoneNumber# to instantly block for further authorized withdrawal or transfer , if you ever misplace your sim or phone that register to your fidelity bank account….. or call Trueserve number 01-4485252
4. Zenith Bank
To hotlink or Block your Zenith Bank Plc ATM Card or Account – dial *966*911# to block your account and stop unauthorized transactions and protects the account funds in the event of mobile phone, ATM Card or hardware token loss as well as account details compromise.
To unblock your account, simply visit any Zenith Bank branch.
5. Stanbic ibtc Bank:
You can block your Stanbic IBTC card anywhere you are!If you suspect that your account have been compromised, call 0700 909 909 909 or email CustomerCareNigeria@stanbicibtc.com. Block your account by dialing *909*36# from your phone or *909*29*phonenumber# from a third party’s phone number
6. Union Bank Account
Union Bank customers can block their bank account or ATM card using their phone number link to their account by dialing *826*6#…. To Block your union account from other phone numbers dial *826*6*mobile number#—-Union bank Card management (block and unblock card) dial *826*21#
You can also make use of sms to block Union bank Card : Simply send ‘BLOCKCARD’ <SPACE> YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER to 20123 from your registered phone number with union bank
7. EcoBank
To block your Ecobank account simply dial *966*911# from any Mobile device. Enter your account number followed by your Mobile number. Press 1 to confirm your request and instantly block your account.
Call +234 1 277 2904 OR
ecobankenquiries@ecobank.com
8. FCMB Bank
The good news is that FCMB customers can now block their bank account or ATM card by dialling – *329*911# (Dial from either Registered or Unregistered number) to block account
Also you can :
Telephone: 07003290000 , 01-2798800.
Email: customerservice@fcmb.com
Whatsapp: (+234) 09099999814 or (+234) 09099999815
Access call +23412802500
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9. Unity Bank
To block Unity bank accounts dial *7799*9*phone number# – Block account you can make use third party device Or Customer Contact Center
we_care@unitybankng.com,
customercare@unitybankng.com
+234 (0) 7080 666 000, +234 (0) 7057 323 226,
+234 (0) 7057 323 227, +234 (0) 7080 666 030
10. UBA
To Block UBA account number or ATM card when your debit card is stolen or you think your account has been compromised; simply Dial :
1. Dial *919*10# to block a lost or stolen card
2. Dial *919*9# to freeze online transactions
You can also Contact UBA bank immediately on;
+2348002255822
+234 1280 8822
+234 1631 9822
Or send then email: cfc@ubagroup.com
Or call +234 700 2255 822
11. wemabank
To block your WEMA bank account number or ATM card If the phone is stolen or your account has been hacked, Simply dial *945*911# to deactivate your USSD profile or Block your account.
Also you can block Wema bank cards by Calling Purple Connect (Wema Bank Interactive Contact Centre): +243 (0) 80 3900 3700 and request that the card be hotlisted immediately…… Also you can enable or disable your card at will via the ALAT app.
12.Keystone Bank
To block your Keystone Bank ATM Card or account simply DIAL *7111*911# This will enable you to place restrictions on your keystone bank account from any phone or contact the Bank immediately on 070020003000 or send an email to contactcentre@keystonebankng.com or visit any of our branches
13.Sterling Bank
To block sterling bank ATM CARD or bank account from any available device, Account holders should dial *822*911# and follow the prompt message to block or hotlink card from any available mobile phone.Also you can Contact :Customer Centre on 07008220000 (070078375464), 014484481-5 or send an email to customercare@sterling.ng.
14.Access Bank
Access bank customers can block their account or ATM card via ussd code. All they need is to dial *901*911#. Select Option 2 (Block Account)
Select ‘Self’ or ‘Third party’ for others.
Enter the phone number linked to the account (s)
Select the Account you want to block (you can select either one of your accounts or all of them) Enter your USSD PIN.
Also they can Call (07002255222377), +234 1- 2712005-7, +234 1-2802500
contact centre email address contactcenter@accessbankplc.com for complaint
15.Polaris bank:
To block or hotlist Polaris bank account or ATM CARD follow the Securely steps below to block their account
1. From your registered phone with Polaris bank simply dial *833*13#
2. From other phone number that is not link to your bank account kindly dial *833*4# However,you will be required to provide the phone number you used in registering the Account
Call:
0700-POLARIS (0700-7652747)
0806 988 0000
01 448 2100
01 270 5850
Email:
yescenter@polarisbanklimited.com
16. Heritage Bank
To block Heritage bank ATM card or account dial *745*11# to prevent you card or account from further unauthorized withdrawal or transfer
Or Contact Centre Numbers
+234-1-236-9000 0700-HERITAGE
+234-1-2369000
+234-1-6309000
For Complaints: complaints@hbng.com
17. How to Block Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria bank account
To block Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria ATM Card or account if your phone is stolen, simply dial *977*911# from any mobile phone from your registered mobile phone number with the Bank. Or follow the steps below.