Credit card frauds and thefts have increased phenomenally in recent years. Online banking frauds have increased to a staggering Rs.1.85 lakh crores for the F.Y 2020, a 28% increase to the previous F.Y. Of these numbers, credit card fraud accounts to a large extent. 

In testing times like this, consumers have to be highly aware of the precautions to be taken to safeguard their money. HDFC credit card customers have immediate access to a reporting mechanism to report any kind of fraud, theft, or suspicious transactions on their credit card to the bank. This allows the bank to freeze the card immediately and mitigate further misuse of the card. 

HDFC Credit Card Blocking Options

There are 3 ways for customers to block their HDFC Credit Card: 

1. Via Netbanking

This is the simplest and quickest method to instantly block your HDFC credit card. Existing HDFC credit card customers can access their HDFC Netbanking account and block their credit card in a few simple steps:

  • Use your login ID and Password to access NetBanking.
  • On the left hand side, click the Credit Cards option, and then select Credit Card Hotlisting. A list of all your credit cards registered on this NetBanking login will appear.
  • Select the credit card number you want to add to your hotlist by clicking on it.
  • Choose a reason for being included on the hotlist.
  • While doing this, you can also request for the card to be reissued.

2. Through Phone Banking

  • HDFC Phone Banking has a 24-hour helpline to report lost/stolen cards, and any other kind of credit card fraud. The national toll-free number is 1800-258-6161
  • Upon calling the toll-free number, you will be required to validate your Telephone Identification Number (TIN). Your TPIN is a 4-digit number that was provided to you at the time of activating your HDFC phone banking services. 
  • Once you enter the TPIN, the IVR menu will guide you in blocking your credit card instantly. 

3. By visiting your nearest HDFC Bank branch

  • During business hours, if you have an HDFC Bank branch near you, you can simply walk into the branch and get your HDFC credit card blocked
  • There is a request form to block your credit card. Fill it up and submit it at the counter. 
  • The customer service officer will check the details and block it immediately. 

Here is how you can find your nearest HDFC Bank branch

How To Protect Your HDFC Credit Card From Fraud And Theft?

With modern technology offering better facilities to consumers, fraud and theft have also risen at the same pace. Credit card users have to be vigilant all the time to notice any suspicious activity on their credit card and report it to the bank immediately. Though HDFC Bank has various channels to report loss, theft and misuse of their credit card and get it blocked, users have to follow the ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach to safeguard their interests. Here are simple ways to be followed by all credit card users to protect their credit cards – 

1. Never share sensitive card information with anyone. 

One of the most prevalent methods used by credit card fraudsters is to pose as a customer service representative and get personal information from the cardholder. Giving out your credit card number or any other private information over the phone should be done with utmost caution. A bank or financial institution would never call you and ask for this information. If there is a need to call your credit card customer care, use only the helpline numbers provided on the back of your card. Don’t just use the number you find on your online search. 

2. Take care to keep you card safe

Keep your credit cards in your wallet or handbag, which will keep them near to your body and prevent them from being easily grabbed. It's also safer to purchase with only a couple of credit cards rather than a bunch of them. After you've paid for your transaction, make sure you get back the card as soon as possible.

3. Follow safety precautions while shopping online using credit cards 

Scammers have shifted online to capture cards as the number of online buyers grows dramatically. Clicking on random sites that ask for your credit card information is a bad idea. These URLs may appear to be authentic, but they are actually phishing, an unlawful method of getting personal information. Keep in mind that credit card firms and financial institutions would never ask for such information over the internet. Additionally, when entering into your bank or credit card account, make sure the web URL begins with 'https' rather than 'http.'

4. Be on constant vigil 

Check your monthly credit card bill thoroughly. Check your credit card statement for any discrepancies, unusual expenditures, or transactions, and report them to your credit card company. In the event of theft or fraud, notify it right once to prevent having to pay for any purchases done with the card. Also, sign up for SMS and email notifications for all sorts of credit card transactions. As a result, you'll be notified as soon as someone tries to use your card fraudulently, allowing you to take the required safeguards and block your card right away.

A credit card provides you with many benefits while also giving you some much needed credit. It is a kind of unsecured loan that is offered without any collateral or security. It is ideal for salaried employees who look to spend most of their monthly spends through a credit card and save with better discounts and cashbacks. But users have to take all precautions to secure their credit card and credit card information to prevent falling prey to a scam or fraud. 

Check out HDFC personal loan offers on our CreditMantri website!