What should I do if my debit card is lost or stolen?

If your debit card is lost or stolen, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect your finances and prevent unauthorized use. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Contact Your Bank or Card Issuer: Call your bank's customer service or card issuer's helpline as soon as you realize your card is missing. Report the loss or theft of your debit card to them. They will assist you in taking appropriate actions, such as blocking the card to prevent unauthorized transactions.

2. Review Recent Transactions: While on the phone with your bank, review recent transactions on your account statement or through online/mobile banking to ensure there are no unauthorized charges. Report any suspicious transactions to your bank.

3. Request a Replacement Card: Ask your bank to issue a replacement debit card. They will typically send you a new card with a new card number and PIN for security reasons.

4. Change Your PIN: If you believe your card was stolen, it's a good idea to change your Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the new card to prevent unauthorized ATM withdrawals.

5. File a Police Report: If your debit card was stolen, consider filing a police report. This can be helpful in case of identity theft or if you need to dispute fraudulent transactions.

6. Monitor Your Account: Continue to monitor your account statements and online/mobile banking for any unusual or unauthorized activity even after receiving your replacement card.

7. Update Automatic Payments: If you have any recurring payments or bills set up with your old card, update the payment information with the new card number to avoid missed payments.

8. Consider Identity Theft Protection: Depending on the circumstances, you may want to consider identity theft protection services to monitor your credit and personal information for any signs of fraud.

9. Keep Records: Document the date and time of your phone call with the bank, the name of the representative you spoke to, and any reference numbers they provide for your case. This documentation can be useful if you need to dispute fraudulent charges.

Remember that reporting the loss or theft of your debit card promptly is essential to limit your liability for any unauthorized transactions. Many banks have 24/7 customer service hotlines for this purpose, so don't hesitate to contact them immediately if your card goes missing.