Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do If Credit Card is Lost or Stolen

In the dynamic city-state of Singapore, where convenience meets cutting-edge finance, the loss or theft of a credit card is a critical situation that demands immediate attention. Credit card loss or theft is a common occurrence, and knowing the right steps to take is highly important. When your credit card is lost or stolen, a series of well-coordinated steps can help you take control of the situation quickly and effectively.

Rabbit Care Singapore, an advertising service provider, is here to guide you through the process of reporting a lost or stolen credit card and protecting your financial security. Here is the step-by-step guide for those who are currently in trouble:

1) Contact Your Credit Card Issuer

There is no emergency call number specifically for reporting a lost credit card in Singapore. However, you can report a lost credit card to your credit card issuer 24/7 by calling the following numbers:

• DBS:  1800 339 6963 or (65) 6339 6963 from overseas.
• OCBC: 1800 363 3333 or (65) 6363 3333 from overseas.
• UOB: 1800 222 2121
• Citibank: 6225 5225
• Standard Chartered: 6747 7000

If you are currently outside Singapore, you can call your credit card issuer’s international customer service number to report your lost card. This number can be found on the back of your credit card or on your credit card issuer’s website.

It is important to report a lost credit card as soon as possible to prevent any unauthorized transaction.

2) Provide Necessary Information

When you contact the issuer, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your name and identification details.
• Your credit card number (if available).
• The date and time you noticed the card was lost or stolen.
• Any relevant details about where you may have lost the card
• Your current address and contact information.

3) Request Cancellation

When calling the issuer, inform the issuer that you want to cancel the lost or stolen card. They will guide you through the process and ensure that the card is no longer valid for any transactions.

4) File a Police Report (Optional)

While not mandatory, it is advisable to visit the nearest police station to file a report about the lost or stolen credit card. A police report can provide an additional layer of protection and may be required by your credit card issuer for certain situations.

Call 999 or SMS 71999 to reach Singapore Police Force (SPF). However, the SPF will not be able to cancel your credit card or issue a new one. You will still need to contact your credit card issuer to proceed the credit card cancellation.

5) Request a Replacement Card

Ask your credit card issuer to issue a replacement card. They will guide you on the steps to follow, and the new card will typically be sent to your registered address. You will receive a new card within a few days.

6) Check your credit statement regularly

After you lose your credit card, it is important to monitor your credit card statement(s) carefully for any unauthorized transactions. If you see any unauthorized charges, you should contact your credit card issuer immediately to dispute them.

You can also set up fraud alerts and credit freezes on your credit reports. This will make it more difficult for anyone to try opening unauthorized accounts in your name. Additionally, this will help you to identify any unauthorized accounts that may have been opened in your name. You can get a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three credit bureaus in Singapore: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

If you see any unauthorized accounts on your credit report, you should contact the credit bureau immediately to dispute them. You should also contact your credit card issuer to report the fraud.

7) Change PIN and Passwords

If your credit card has a Personal Identification Number (PIN) associated with it, changing the PIN for your new card is strongly advised. Additionally, if the card was associated with any online accounts, change the passwords for those accounts as well.

8) Beware of Phishing Scams

Be cautious of any unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages claiming to be from your bank or card issuer, especially if they request sensitive information. Scammers may attempt to exploit your situation.

9) Enhance Security Measures

Inquire with your credit card issuer about additional security features including transaction alerts and two-factor authentication to help safeguard your credit card in the future.

Here are the steps you should take immediately if you lose or have your credit card stolen. Taking quick action can minimize your financial losses and protect you from fraudulent transactions. Singapore’s financial regulators have implemented robust consumer protection measures to help you in these situations. and they have robust consumer protection measures in place.

Additional tips from Rabbit Care:

• Keep your credit cards in a safe place when you are not using them.
• Be careful about where you use your credit cards. Avoid using them at ATMs or in stores that you are not familiar with.
• Be careful about giving your credit card information over the phone or online. Only give your credit card information to businesses that you trust.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for all of your online accounts. This will help to protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from the financial consequences of a lost or stolen credit card.