Quick Answer: Dial *919*9# from any phone with a Nigerian network, enter your registered phone number and USSD PIN. Alternatively, contact UBA customer care at +234 700 225 5822 or use Leo chatbot on WhatsApp.
Your phone just got snatched. Heart racing, you’re thinking about that UBA account with your salary sitting there. Every second counts—fraudsters move fast, and by tomorrow, your account could be cleaned out.
This isn’t just about blocking an account. It’s about protecting your livelihood, your peace of mind, and everything you’ve worked for. Whether you’re dealing with a stolen phone, lost device, or suspicious activity, this guide covers every method to secure your UBA account remotely.
Why You Need to Block Your UBA Account Immediately
Time isn’t your friend when your phone disappears. Fraudsters know banking apps, USSD codes, and can drain accounts within hours. UBA accounts linked to compromised phones face significant risk—especially if you saved your banking PIN or use fingerprint authentication.
The moment you realize your phone is gone:
- Unauthorized transfers can happen instantly
- Mobile money transactions become vulnerable
- Your ATM card details might be exposed
- Personal data could be used for identity theft
But here’s the thing—UBA gives you multiple ways to block your account from anywhere, using any phone.
Method 1: USSD Code (Fastest Option)
The *919*9# Code Method
This is your emergency lifeline. Works from any phone with any Nigerian network—MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile.
Step-by-step process:
- Dial *919*9# from any available phone
- Enter your registered phone number (the one linked to your UBA account)
- Input your 4-digit USSD PIN
- Confirm the blocking request
- Wait for SMS confirmation
What If You Don’t Know Your USSD PIN?
No wahala. If you’ve never set up USSD banking or forgot your PIN:
- Visit any UBA branch with valid ID
- Call customer care for PIN reset assistance
- Use alternative blocking methods below
Troubleshooting USSD Issues
Network problems? Try these fixes:
- Move to an area with stronger signal
- Use a different network provider’s phone
- Retry the code 2-3 times with short intervals
- If still failing, immediately call customer care
Method 2: UBA Leo Chatbot (WhatsApp Method)
Leo is UBA’s AI assistant—available 24/7 on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Perfect if USSD codes aren’t working.
Using WhatsApp Leo
- Add +234 903 001 0007 to your contacts
- Send “FREEZE ACCOUNT” or “BLOCK ACCOUNT”
- Follow authentication prompts (account number, OTP verification)
- Confirm blocking request
- Screenshot confirmation message for your records
Facebook Messenger Option
Search for “UBA Leo” on Facebook Messenger and follow the same process. Leo responds instantly and guides you through verification steps.
Method 3: Customer Care (Human Assistance)
Sometimes you need to speak with an actual person. UBA’s customer care operates round-the-clock for emergencies.
Primary Contact Numbers
- Main hotline: +234 700 225 5822
- Alternative: +234 1 280 8822
- Email: [email protected] (for follow-up documentation)
What to Tell Customer Care
Be prepared with these details:
- Full name (as registered with UBA)
- Account number (if you remember it)
- Registered phone number
- Date of birth or BVN for verification
- Reason for blocking (theft, loss, suspicious activity)
Pro tip: Ask for a reference number for your blocking request. You’ll need this for follow-up or unblocking.
Method 4: Branch Visit (Most Secure)
If you’re near a UBA branch and want face-to-face confirmation, this is your most secure option.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued ID (National ID, Driver’s License, Passport, Voter’s Card)
- Any UBA documents you have (ATM card, bank statement, checkbook)
- Written request stating your intention to block the account
The process takes 5-10 minutes, and you’ll receive a written confirmation slip.
Blocking Your UBA ATM Card Separately
Your account and ATM card are different things. Even after blocking your account, someone could still use your physical card at ATMs.
ATM Card Blocking Methods
USSD Code: Dial *919*10#
- Enter your card number
- Input your USSD PIN
- Confirm blocking
Customer Care: Call the same numbers above and specifically request ATM card blocking.
UBA Mobile App: If you can access the app from another device, use the “Block Card” feature.
What Happens After You Block Your Account
Understanding the immediate effects helps you plan your next steps:
Account Restrictions
- Outgoing transfers: Completely blocked
- ATM withdrawals: Stopped
- USSD transactions: Disabled
- Mobile app access: Restricted
What Still Works
- Incoming transfers: People can still send you money
- Salary deposits: Your employer can still pay you
- Account balance: Remains intact and secure
How to Unblock Your UBA Account
Blocking is the easy part. Getting your account back requires more steps.
Unblocking Requirements
- Visit a UBA branch (mandatory for most cases)
- Bring valid ID and any available UBA documents
- Complete an account reactivation form
- Verify your identity with branch staff
- Reset your USSD PIN if needed
- Update mobile banking on your new phone
Timeline for Reactivation
- Same-day service: If you visit during banking hours with proper documentation
- 24-48 hours: For complex cases requiring additional verification
- Up to 1 week: If your account was flagged for suspicious activity
Security Measures to Prevent Future Issues
Phone Security Best Practices
App-level protection:
- Enable biometric locks (fingerprint/face recognition)
- Use strong passwords (not your birthday or 1234)
- Turn on two-factor authentication where available
- Log out of banking apps when not in use
Device security:
- Set up phone lock screens with PINs or patterns
- Enable remote wipe features (Find My iPhone, Google Find My Device)
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking transactions
- Update your banking apps regularly
UBA-Specific Security Features
Secure Pass App: UBA’s token app provides additional security layers. Download it from official app stores and link it to your account.
Transaction Limits: Set daily transfer limits that match your typical usage. You can adjust these at UBA branches.
SMS Alerts: Ensure you receive notifications for every transaction. If your phone is stolen, you’ll know immediately about unauthorized activity.
Alternative Methods When Nothing Else Works
SIM Card Blocking First
If your entire phone was stolen (not just misplaced), block your SIM card with your network provider:
- MTN: Dial 180 from another MTN line
- Glo: Call 121 from another Glo number
- Airtel: Dial 111 from another Airtel line
- 9mobile: Call 200 from another 9mobile number
This prevents fraudsters from receiving OTP messages sent to your number.
Police Report (For Theft Cases)
File a police report if your phone was stolen. Some UBA branches require this documentation for account reactivation, especially if fraudulent transactions occurred.
Bank Manager Escalation
If customer care isn’t responsive or you’re facing unusual complications, ask to speak with the branch manager. They have authority to expedite account blocking and reactivation processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block my UBA account if I don’t have my registered phone number?
Yes, but your options are limited. Use customer care (+234 700 225 5822) or visit a UBA branch with valid ID. The USSD method requires your registered number.
Does blocking my account affect my salary payments?
No. Incoming transfers, including salary deposits, continue normally. Only outgoing transactions are blocked.
How long does account blocking take to become effective?
USSD blocking is immediate. Customer care blocking takes 5-15 minutes. Branch blocking is instant with written confirmation.
Can I use UBA mobile app from a new phone after blocking?
You’ll need to reactivate your account first, then download the app on your new device and go through the registration process again.
What if fraudulent transactions already happened before I blocked the account?
Report immediately to customer care and request transaction reversal. UBA investigates fraud cases, but timing is crucial—report within 24 hours for best results.
Is there a fee for blocking or unblocking my account?
Account blocking is free. Unblocking may involve service charges depending on the method used and your account type.
Can I block my account if I’m outside Nigeria?
Yes. Use international dialing codes for customer care (+234 700 225 5822) or contact UBA’s international branches in your location.
What happens to my standing orders and direct debits?
These are automatically suspended when you block your account. You’ll need to reactivate them after unblocking.
Bottom Line: Act Fast, Stay Calm
Your UBA account security depends on quick action and knowing your options. Whether you choose USSD codes, customer care, or Leo chatbot, the important thing is blocking access before fraudsters can strike.
Save these contact numbers in multiple places—not just your phone:
- UBA Customer Care: +234 700 225 5822
- Leo WhatsApp: +234 903 001 0007
- Account Blocking USSD: *919*9#
- Card Blocking USSD: *919*10#
Your money, your responsibility. But with these tools, you’re never completely helpless—even when your phone disappears.