It can happen so quickly when you're on the road: your smartphone or wallet is suddenly gone. In order to limit possible damage, you should then react quickly. One number in particular is now in demand.
If the smartphone or important cards are lost, quick action is required. Those who prepare know immediately what to do in an emergency.
The North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center offers a sample cheat sheet for download. You can write down all the necessary data on it.
If the giro, debit or credit card is gone, the toll-free number 116 116 can be used to block cards from almost all banks and savings banks. For the call you should know the name of the financial institution and the IBAN or account number. If the emergency number cannot be reached, there is an alternative number: 0049 30 4050 4050.
The sooner the card is blocked, the better. Because until then, account holders are liable for unauthorized withdrawals of up to 50 euros, explain the consumer advocates. Anyone who has kept their bank card together with the matching PIN number must also pay for higher damages. Card theft should also be reported to the local police.
Before calling 116 116, it's also worth taking a look at the banking app on your smartphone - if you have one. Some banks allow you to block lost credit and debit cards here as well.
If the identity card is gone, the first thing to do is go to the police. The loss is then immediately reported to the identity card authority at the place of residence. The German embassy or a German consulate are contacts abroad. They issue a replacement document. Photocopies made beforehand help with the procedure.
Anyone who has activated the online ID function (eID function) in their identity card must have it blocked immediately. This can again be done by calling 116 116, which can be reached around the clock, or by contacting the responsible identity card authority at your place of residence.
If the mobile phone is gone, 116 116 or a call to the provider will also help here - to block the SIM card.
In addition to the mobile phone number and personal data, some providers also require a customer password, which can be found in the contract or stored in an app, for example.
If the phone is used for payment, the linked card must also be removed from the respective payment service. Some banks also allow removing cards associated with Apple Pay through their own banking apps or in online banking.
