What to do if you lost your card and money was withdrawn from it.

Bank cards (credit and debit) have long become a convenient tool. They are easy to use, and it's also easy to open or close them online. However, it is necessary to think about what to do if you lost your card. In this regard, speed is essential, as a thief can withdraw money.

Therefore, the second important question will be, what to do if you lost your credit card, and if money has already been withdrawn, where to turn. Moreover, what to do if you lost your bank card, is something that clients of Ukrainian banks and any bank in the world should know. In general, a situation where you lost your card and even money was withdrawn (withdrawing without your knowledge) can be resolved: there are different options for this.

What to do if you lost your card and money was withdrawn from it?

The situation of losing a card is unpleasant. But you can quickly block the card at any bank branch. This action can also be performed online (mobile banking). Another option is what to do if you lost your credit card and money has already been withdrawn. That is, blocking the card is no longer enough. For this reason, the algorithm of actions (what to do) should be memorized in advance.

When losing a card, it is important to prevent unauthorized transactions as quickly as possible. The faster you block the card, the less likely further withdrawals are. Thus, this is a top priority in all cases, whether it is losing a card, hacking an online page, or unusual withdrawals from the card. That is, blocking will freeze all processes related to the card.

How to block a card:

1. The simplest option will be to call the bank. The support service number is indicated on the bank's website or in the mobile application.
2. The second simpler method may be to use the mobile application. Most banks in Ukraine, including 'PrivatBank', 'Monobank', and 'Oschadbank', allow you to block the card through the app.
3. There is an option to do the same through online banking. Log in to your account and find the card blocking function.

Immediately after blocking, you should check the account statement. That is, check all operations that were conducted. This will help determine the amount of damage and prepare for contacting the bank.

How to do this:

1. Go to the mobile app or internet banking and check the last transactions.
2. Save or take screenshots of suspicious operations.
3. Make sure that the withdrawals were indeed done without your permission.

At this stage, it will be clear what to do next. If money has not been withdrawn, then the blocking has already solved half of the problems.

If any amounts have been withdrawn from the account, you need to submit a complaint to the bank. Ukrainian banks are obliged to consider clients' requests regarding unauthorized withdrawals. The bank can conduct an investigation and return the money if fraud is confirmed.

How to do this:

1. Contact the bank branch. Write a statement about the disputed transactions.
2. Use the mobile app or hotline. In some banks, the application can be submitted online.
3. Attach evidence. Indicate dates, amounts, and descriptions of the transactions that you did not perform.

According to Ukrainian law, the bank is obliged to consider your application within 10-30 days, depending on the complexity of the case. During wartime, some deadlines may be shifted, but not critically.

The next step is to file a complaint with the police. After all, the thief literally stole the client's funds.

If the amount of damage is significant or there is suspicion of fraud, it is important to file a complaint with the police. This will help initiate an official investigation.

What to include in the complaint:

1. Information about the lost card (without the full card number).
2. Dates and amounts of unauthorized withdrawals.
3. Information about how and when the card was lost.

The police may request additional data from the bank about transactions to determine who made the withdrawals. As practice shows, it is better not to leave everything unattended. Some fraudsters take advantage of the fact that they are not being searched for and no theft cases are initiated against them.

Fraudsters can also link the card to their accounts in online stores, subscriptions, or payment services to continue withdrawing money.

What to do:

1. Check which services the card was linked to (for example, Google Pay, Apple Pay).
2. Remove the card from all services.
3. Set up notifications for any attempts to link a new card.

Thus, after the card is stolen, a thorough check of all services where cards can be linked should be conducted.

Once all these issues are resolved, order a reissue of the cards. This will protect you from further use by fraudsters.

How to reissue a card:

1. Contact the bank through the app, hotline, or at the branch.
2. Clarify the terms and costs of the reissue (in most cases, it is free).
3. After receiving the new card, change all payment details in the services used.

In general, these measures are enough to minimize the total damage for yourself.