Losing a cheque book or having it stolen may seem minor, but it can expose you to serious financial risk. In the wrong hands, someone could forge your signature and withdraw funds from your account. Acting quickly is crucial to prevent potential losses.
Inform Your Bank Immediately
The first step is to notify your bank as soon as you realize your cheque book is missing. Banking regulations state that if a customer delays reporting and a fraudulent transaction occurs, the customer could also be held liable. Request the bank to block the Stolen Cheque Book or place a stop-payment instruction on the affected cheque numbers immediately.
How to Block a Stolen Cheque Book
Online: If you have access to net banking or your bank’s mobile app, log in and navigate to the “Cheque Services” or “Stop Payment” section. Enter the required details to block the Stolen Cheque Book or specific cheque numbers instantly.
Phone: If internet access is unavailable, call your bank’s toll-free customer care number. The representative may ask verification questions before processing your stop-payment request.
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In-person: Visit your nearest branch and submit a written application. Most banks require a stop-payment request form to be completed accurately to block the Stolen Cheque Book.
When to File a Police Complaint
If you suspect theft or notice that other belongings are missing along with the cheque book, it’s advisable to file a police report. This report can serve as vital evidence in case of disputes later.
Additional Tips
After blocking the Stolen Cheque Book, request written confirmation via SMS or email from your bank. This record can be helpful if any issues arise in the future. Apply for a new cheque book and securely note the new cheque numbers upon receipt.
Failing to inform the bank promptly may allow misuse of the cheque. In such cases, the bank may disclaim responsibility, and recovering lost funds could become extremely difficult.