How To Lock and Secure Your Bank Account (Steps)

Frauds are everywhere! Even when you've not yet been hit by these scammers, you still wonder if you're safe at all. Imagine several people reporting being scammed or defrauded of their hard-earned money without even knowing it. Cases of bank customers with empty balances after being hit are now countless.

So, what do you do to secure your bank account? How do you make sure you're out of their claws? How can you be in a 100% safe zone with your money in the banks?

There are several measures you can put in place to ensure your account remains secure. Whether you're wondering how to lock your account, make your bank more secure, or set up a secure bank account from scratch. In this post, I'll be guiding you with official recommendations on how to secure or protect your bank accounts.

Why Locking Your Bank Account

It won't matter whether you're a FirstBank customer or you're dealing with any other bank, GT Bank, Access, etc., locking your account may be necessary for a few reasons. These can include:

1. Unrecognized Transactions: You've reviewed your account statements for any transactions that you do not recognize.
2. Alerts from the Bank: You've paid attention to any unusual activity alerts from your bank.
3. Missing Cards or Documents: If you notice that your bank card or any document containing your banking details is missing, act immediately.

Steps to Lock Your Bank Account

Now, let's guide you through the procedures to lock your bank account using the mobile banking app and customer care service.

1. Use the Mobile Banking App

The fastest way to lock your account is through your bank's mobile app. The app is designed with user security in mind, offering a straightforward process to secure your account.

To start, log in to your mobile app, look for the security or account settings section. Here, you’ll find the option to “Lock Account” or something similarly named.

After selecting the lock account option, you may be asked to confirm your identity and then confirm that you wish to lock the account. This adds an extra layer of security to the process.

2. Contact Customer Service

If you prefer a more personal touch or do not have access to the mobile app, your bank's dedicated customer service is available 24/7.

Using this means, be prepared to verify your identity over the phone. This may involve answering security questions or providing specific account details.

Once your identity is confirmed, inform the customer service representative that you wish to lock your account due to suspected unauthorized access or lost banking details.

Speaking of customer care, you will need to call your own bank strictly. Hence, below is the list of customer care helplines I can lay my hands on right now:

1. Access Bank: +234 1- 2712005-7, +234 1-2802500
2. Ecobank Nigeria Plc: 0700 500 0000
3. Fidelity Bank: 0700 3433 5489
4. First Bank Nigeria Limited: +234 708 062 5000, +234 1 448 5500
5. GTB (Guaranty Trust Bank): +234 1 4480000, 0700 48266328
6. Heritage Bank: +234-1-2369000, +234-1-6309000
7. Keystone Bank: +234 700 2000 3000
8. Stanbic IBTC Bank: +234 700 909 909 909
9. Sterling Bank: +234 906 000 6449 (WhatsApp), 07008220000, 014484481-5
10. UBA (United Bank for Africa): +234 1 6319822, +234 700 2255 822
11. Zenith Bank: 234-1-2787000

How To Make Your Bank Account More Secure

Whether you've requested the locking of your account, you'll still need to protect it against future eventualities. Let's consider the following measures in order to safeguard your account.

1. Use Strong Passwords and PINs

One fundamental way to secure your bank account is by creating strong, unique passwords and PINs. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or simple sequences like "1234". Instead, opt for a complex combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

I'll recommend creating a password that contains symbols (e.g., ., :, #, @, etc.). You can also make the password contain some irregular local words (e.g., awedu, fankada, kinimose, etc.).

Avoid using any of your names, date of birth, generic words, etc. These can easily be guessed by scammers.

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. With 2FA, accessing your account requires not only your password but also a one-time code (OTP) sent to your mobile device. This makes it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access.

3. Regular Monitoring

Make it a habit to regularly monitor your account transactions. With your bank's mobile app, you can easily keep an eye on your account activity and quickly spot any transactions that don’t seem right.

Mobile apps are good at revealing transactions that you don't get SMS alerts for. Scammers are already smart at not allowing you to get SMS for some transactions. To date, they can't stop your bank app from showing the transactions as they occur.

4. Secure Internet Practices

Be careful when accessing your bank account online. Ensure that you are using a secure and private internet connection.

Public Wi-Fi networks can be risky and make it easier for cybercriminals to intercept your data.

Also, ensure that the bank’s website is secure (look for "https" and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar).

5. Opt for Paperless Statements

This reduces the risk of sensitive information being stolen from your mailbox or from your office or home. When you receive your statement of account through email, except your access details are compromised, no is able to use it against you.

6. Sign up for Alerts

All banks allow you to set up various alerts for different types of transactions and activities. This way, you will be immediately notified of any activity in your account.

You can set up alerts through both email and SMS. This will help in such a way that if you don't get one, you should see the other.

7. Review and Update Security Settings

After setting up your account, review the security settings available in your online banking profile or mobile banking app. Customize the settings to suit your preferences for maximum security.

By following these steps and being vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and ensure your banking details remain secure.

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