How to Block Sterling Bank account and ATM card in case of Fraud

Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by admin

Do you want to block sterling bank account  and you don’t know the process? This content will guide you what to do when you misplace your phone that is linked to your bank account or when your account is compromise.

The rate  of fraud and card theft has been on the  increase in Nigeria, at daily basic thousands of bank account are compromise by hackers.Sterling Bank has decide to roll out details on how their depositors can now block their card and bank account

Last month a friend of mine revealed to me how his bank account was hack by scammers via betting site,he went to UBA bank to withdraw the rest money but unfortunately there were no network at ATM Machine

The fraudster keep betting with his money, eventually lost out 250,000 Naira before he could block his debit card to stop further payment. I have decided to put up this article for those who might face this kind of challenge in future.

You can also read: Sterling bank ussd code to buy Data and Airtime

The world has evolved; civilization, modernization and digitization has changed how things are done in all sectors of life. banking sector is not left behind in this evolution as digitization has changed the banking game, making it possible for customers to transact, pay for goods and services, make investments and do so many other activities online from the comfort of our homes with just our mobile devices.

Sterling Bank: how to check statement of account, transfer, BVN update and buy airtime through Whatsapp

How to Block Sterling Bank account and debit card?

To block your Sterling Bank account and debit card, you can use the following methods:

1. USSD Code:

   • Dial *822*911# from any mobile
   • Enter the phone number linked to your account
   • Enter USSD 4-digit PIN to block your card and account

2. Contact Customer Care:

   • Call Sterling Bank’s customer care line on +234 07008220000, 0700STERLING, 070078375464
   • immediately to report the loss or theft of your card and request a block on both your card and account.
   • You will need to provide your account details and personal information for verification.

3. Visit a Branch:

   • Go to your nearest Sterling Bank branch.
   • Inform a customer service representative that you need to block your card and account.
   • Provide necessary identification and account details for verification.

4. Online Banking (if available):

   • Log in to your Sterling Bank online banking account.
   • Navigate to the “Card Management” section.
   • Look for the option to block your card or report it lost/stolen.

Important Note:

• After blocking your card or account, it’s crucial to report the loss or theft to Sterling Bank as soon as possible. This will prevent unauthorized transactions and initiate the process of getting a replacement card (if needed).

Also read:How to Transfer Money, check account balance on Sterling Bank

How to protect yourself from bank scams

To protect yourself from bank scams, follow these essential precautions:

1. Be vigilant with your personal information:

• Never share your PIN, passwords, card details (CVV), or OTPs with anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank.
• Be cautious of phishing emails or SMS messages asking for personal information or login credentials. Banks will never ask for this information via email or text.
• Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.

2. Secure your devices and accounts:

• Use strong, unique passwords for your online banking and other accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
• Keep your antivirus software and operating systems updated to protect against malware and vulnerabilities.

3. Be cautious with online transactions:

• Only use secure websites for banking transactions (look for “https://” in the address bar and a padlock icon).
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, as it may not be secure.
• Be wary of unsolicited offers or deals that seem too good to be true.

4. Regularly monitor your accounts:

• Check your bank statements and transaction history frequently for any unauthorized activity.
• Report any discrepancies to your bank immediately.

5. Be aware of common scams:

• Phishing: Scammers impersonate banks through emails or text messages to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
• Vishing: Scammers call you pretending to be from your bank and try to obtain your information through conversation.
• Smishing: Similar to phishing but done through SMS messages.
• Card Skimming: Scammers install devices on ATMs or POS terminals to steal your card information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I block my Sterling Bank ATM card and account if I suspect fraud?

A: You have a few options:

• USSD Code: Dial *822*911# from any mobile  phone number and follow the prompts to disable the card.
• Contact Customer Care: Call Sterling Bank’s customer care line immediately at 0700 822 0000 to report the issue and request a block.
• Visit a Branch: Go to your nearest Sterling Bank branch and inform a customer service representative.
• Online Banking: If available, log in to your online banking account and look for the option to block your card or report it lost/stolen.

Q2: Is there a fee for blocking my Sterling Bank ATM card and account?

A: No, Sterling Bank does not charge a fee for blocking your ATM card or account.

Q3: What information do I need to provide to block my Sterling Bank ATM card and account?

A: You will typically need to provide your account number, card number, and personal information for verification, such as your Bank Verification Number (BVN) or the phone number linked to your account.

Q4: How long does it take to block my Sterling Bank ATM card and account?

A: Blocking your card and account should be immediate once you request it through any of the above channels.

Q5: Can I unblock my Sterling Bank ATM card and account after it has been blocked?

A: You can usually unblock your card through the same channel you used to block it. For account unblocking, you might need to visit a Sterling Bank branch or contact customer care.

Q6: What should I do after blocking my Sterling Bank ATM card and account?

A: Report the fraudulent activity to Sterling Bank immediately. They will guide you on the next steps and help you with any unauthorized transactions.

Q7: How can I get a new ATM card after blocking my old one?

A: You can request a new ATM card through Sterling Bank’s online banking platform, mobile app, or by visiting a branch.