If your phone is lost or stolen, it's important to know how to block your OPay account to protect your money and personal info. OPay is a popular fintech app in Nigeria, helping millions manage their finances, make payments, receive loans, and transfer funds.
However, losing access to your phone can leave your account vulnerable to fraud or misuse. By learning how to block your OPay account quickly, you can prevent unauthorized access and keep your funds safe.
In this article, we'll walk you through the simple steps to secure your account in case of a lost or stolen phone.
Reasons to Block Your OPay Account
Why would you block your OPay account? Below are some reasons:
Security Breach
If your phone is lost or stolen, the risk of unauthorized access to your OPay account increases significantly.
Thieves may exploit your personal information to make fraudulent transactions, leading to potential financial loss. Blocking your account immediately can prevent unauthorized access and protect your funds.
No Longer Interested
Some users may discontinue using OPay for various reasons, such as switching to another financial service or dissatisfaction with the platform.
If you find that OPay no longer meets your needs, you can block your account as soon as possible. This will prevent OPay from charging you fees or carrying out unwanted transactions.
Temporary Break
There are also situations where users might want to take a temporary break from their OPay account. This could be for personal reasons, such as budgeting or spending less.
By blocking your account, you can avoid impulsive transactions and manage your finances more effectively during this period.
If you are facing any of the above scenarios, you can block your OPay account. How to block OPay account. Read the next section.
Steps to Block Your Opay Account
You can block your OPay account using different methods depending on your situation. Here are the steps to block your OPay account.
How to block OPay by contacting customer care?
If your phone is lost or stolen, you must block your OPay account immediately to prevent unauthorized access and fraudulent transactions.
Follow the below steps to block your OPay account by contacting customer care:
Call OPay's customer service at 0700 8888328 or 01 888328 during their operating hours of 8 am to 8 pm daily.
Inform the representative that you need to block your OPay account due to a lost or stolen phone. Provide the following information for verification:
Your OPay account number.
Your full name.
Your registered phone number.
Recent transaction history.
The customer care agent will verify your identity based on the information provided. If satisfied, they will proceed to block your account immediately.
Request a confirmation that your account has been successfully blocked for your records.
Follow up with the agent if you need other services such as applying for a new OPay number or transferring your funds to a different account.
How to block OPay account using the app
You can block your account easily using the OPay app. If you suspect any fraudulent activity or if your phone is stolen, this is a good option.
Open the OPay app on your device and log in using your credentials.
Navigate to the Customer Service Center. This is typically represented by an icon resembling a headset or a help option within the app.
Click on Live Chat to connect with an OPay customer service representative. This feature allows you to communicate directly with support staff.
Once connected, inform the representative that you wish to block your OPay account. Clearly state the reason for this action, such as a lost phone or suspicion of unauthorized access.
Provide Verification Information including:
Your OPay account number
Your registered phone number
Your full name
Any recent transaction details, if requested
After the representative verifies your identity, they will proceed to block your account. Request a confirmation message or email for your records.
If you have further questions or need assistance with unblocking your account in the future, ask the representative for guidance on the next steps.
How to block OPay account using USSD codes?
Using the USSD code is another convenient method to block your OPay account.
To block your OPay account, dial *955*0# from the phone number linked to your OPay account. This code is specifically for account blocking.
After dialing the code, you will receive a prompt on your screen confirming your request to block your account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
If you also need to block your OPay ATM card, you can do so by dialing *955*1#. This code will guide you through the steps to block your card, ensuring funds remain secure.
After successfully blocking your account or ATM card, you should receive a confirmation message via SMS. Keep this message for your records as proof of the action taken.
If you need further assistance or wish to unblock your account later, you may want to contact OPay customer service or use the app to get in touch with a representative.
How to block OPay account by visiting an OPay office
If you prefer a more personal approach or the above methods are not convenient, you can visit an OPay office to block your account. Here's how:
Locate the nearest OPay office. OPay has physical offices across major cities in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Kano, Imo, Aba, Kogi, Port Harcourt, and Edo. To find the closest office, you can:
Login to your OPay app and navigate to the Customer Service Center.
Click on "Office Addresses" to see a list of locations.
Choose the office nearest to you.
Once you have identified the OPay office, visit it during operating hours. OPay offices are typically open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays.
Speak with a customer service representative. Inform the receptionist that you need to block your OPay account. They will direct you to a customer service representative who can assist you.
Provide verification information. Typically, the representative will ask for your:
OPay account number
Registered phone number
Full name
Recent transaction detail
After verifying your identity, the representative will proceed to block your account. Request a confirmation slip for your records.
If you have any other concerns or need guidance on unblocking your account in the future, discuss with the representative to understand the next steps.
Visiting an OPay office is suitable, if you are dealing with sensitive financial matters or cannot block your OPay account by yourself.
What should you do after blocking your OPay account? Are there any security measures to take?
Additional Security Measures
Blocking your OPay account is crucial if you suspect any unauthorized access to your account. You can also follow the above security measures for extra protection.
Changing Account Password
When blocking your account, change your OPay account password. This provides an extra layer of security. Follow the below steps to change your password:
Login to your OPay app.
Navigate to Settings > Change Password.
Enter your current password.
Create a new, strong password.
Confirm the new password.
Reporting to Authorities
If your phone was stolen, it's important to report the incident to the relevant authorities. This serves two main purposes:
Legal documentation: Having an official record of the theft can help in case of any future legal disputes or investigations related to unauthorized transactions from your OPay account.
Tracking the stolen device: The authorities may be able to track and recover your stolen phone, preventing further misuse of your personal information.
When reporting the theft, provide the authorities with:
Your phone's make, model, and serial number.
The approximate time and location of the theft.
Any other relevant details that could aid in the investigation.
By taking these additional security measures in conjunction with blocking your OPay account, you can significantly reduce the risk of financial fraud and protect your personal information in the event of a lost or stolen phone.
Conclusion
Securing your OPay account is essential to protect your financial assets and personal information, especially in the event of a lost or stolen phone.
You can block your OPay account through customer service, the app, USSD codes, or by visiting an office.
Remember, the sooner you act, the better your chances of safeguarding your funds. So, if you suspect any fraudulent activity on your OPay account take prompt action such as blocking your account, changing your password, and reporting the theft to reduce the risk of fraud.
FAQs
How long does it take to block an OPay account?
You can block your OPay account immediately. You can do it by contacting customer service, using the app, USSD codes, or visiting an office. You’ll receive a confirmation message after your account is blocked.
Can I block my account if I don't have access to my registered phone number?
Yes, you can still block your OPay account even if you don't have access to your registered phone number.
When contacting customer service or visiting an office, inform them of the situation and provide alternative verification details, such as your account number, full name, and recent transaction history. The customer service representative will assist you in verifying your identity and blocking the account.
I blocked my account, but I'm still receiving notifications of transactions. What should I do?
If you continue receiving transaction notifications after blocking your OPay account, it's possible that the blocking process was not successful or that the unauthorized access occurred before the blocking took effect.
In this case, immediately contact OPay customer service again to report the issue. Provide them with the details of your previous blocking request and any new transaction information. They will investigate the matter and take appropriate actions to secure your account.
Can I unblock my OPay account later?
Yes, you can unblock your OPay account at a later time if needed. To do so, contact OPay customer service, visit an office, or use the USSD code *955*1# to initiate the unblocking process.
You will need to provide verification details and may be asked to submit additional documentation to confirm your identity. The customer service representative will guide you through the necessary steps to restore access to your account.