The minute you realise your Debit Card is lost, or get any intimation from the bank about a transaction you did not make, it is best to block your Debit Card.
When your card is blocked, you cannot make online payments as it will get declined. Also, the card will not be read by the card reader at the ATM or it will not accept the PIN or decline the transaction again.
Your card may be declined for a number of reasons: the card has expired; you're over your credit limit; the card issuer sees suspicious activity that could be a sign of fraud; or a hotel, rental car company, or other business placed a block (or hold) on your card for its estimated total of your bill.
Card Lock is a security feature which allows you to block new authorizations on your debit card and/or credit card. If you misplace your card, locking can prevent criminals from using your card, until you need to report the card as Lost/Stolen.
Debit card fraud can be sophisticated or old-school. Thieves use techniques including: Hacking. When you bank or shop on public Wi-Fi networks, hackers can use keylogging software to capture everything you type, including your name, debit card account number and PIN.
Temporarily blocking your Card prevents it from being used for new purchases. However, recurring bills, such as subscriptions or monthly bills, will post to your account as usual.
Locking your card prevents new purchases, cash advances and balance transfers. Recurring transactions will still go through, and you can still make purchases through a digital wallet.
No, it is not possible to transfer money via your ATM/debit card if it is locked. However, you can still use your account details to transfer money via NEFT or RTGS. To unlock your card, you can consider taking the matter to the bank/card issuer's Customer Services or Credit Control Department.
Fraudsters can get ahold of your card details in a few different ways—one of them being through an ATM card skimming device. Nefarious parties can also gain access to old bank statements or debit cards, or direct you to make a payment on a fraudulent website that collects your details.
When you lock a card, new charges and cash advances will be denied. However, recurring autopayments, such as subscriptions and monthly bills charged to the card, will continue to go through. Typically, so will bank fees, returns, credits, interest and rewards.
Stopping a card payment
You can tell the card issuer by phone, email or letter. Your card issuer has no right to insist that you ask the company taking the payment first. They have to stop the payments if you ask them to. If you ask to stop a payment, the card issuer should investigate each case on its own merit.
Call and write your bank or credit union. Tell your bank that you have “revoked authorization” for the company to take automatic payments from your account. Click here for a sample letter . Some banks and credit unions may offer you an online form.
If your debit card is locked, it will typically stay that way for up to 15 days. This can vary depending on your bank or credit card issuer, so it's always best to check with them directly if you're unsure. If your card is still locked after 15 days, you may need to contact your issuer to have it unlocked.
Fraudsters can still use your debit card even if they don't have the card itself. They don't even need your PIN—just your card number. If you've used your debit card for an off-line transaction (a transaction without your PIN), your receipt will show your full debit card number.
Using a debit card opens up the possibility that the thief will gain access to the funds in your checking account. Protections are in place if a debit card has been lost or stolen and used fraudulently, but only if you notify your banking institution.
But if someone has accessed your credit card or debit card information online and they are trying to make a purchase, retailers won't allow those purchases to go through if they don't also have your card's CVV number. For all Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit and debit cards, your CVV number is three digits.
Debit card fraud occurs when a criminal gains access to your debit card number—and in some cases, personal identification number (PIN)—to make unauthorized purchases or withdraw cash from your account.
Q: What should I do if I have unauthorized charges on my debit card? A: Contact your bank immediately if you suspect unauthorized transactions on your debit card. If the transaction was made using a debit card or other electronic fund transfers, you may have additional protections under federal law.
Many phishing emails try to get you to click a button or link that takes you to a familiar-looking fraudulent site to enter your account information. Phishing emails may also prompt you to click a link or download a file containing spyware, which hackers can use to export your card details and other information.
Even if you have not revoked your authorization with the company, you can stop an automatic payment from being charged to your account by giving your bank a "stop payment order" . This instructs your bank to stop allowing the company to take payments from your account.
Online Mode
A cardholder can use the mobile app or net banking portal of the card-issuing bank to block the card.
First, notify the vendor. Next, tell your bank about your request at least three business days before the money is scheduled to be transferred. Your notice to the bank may be oral, but the institution may require you to provide a written follow-up within 14 days to ensure that no additional payments are made.