TL;DR
Your bank shouldn’t reissue a credit card with the same 16-digit number, even as a ‘safety measure’. This defeats many security features. Contact your bank immediately and request a completely new account number. Monitor your statements closely for any fraudulent activity.
Understanding the Problem
When a bank reissues a credit card with the same 16-digit number, it undermines several key security protocols:
- Card Present Fraud: If your physical card is compromised (lost or stolen), someone could use it if they also have your PIN or signature.
- Online Fraud: The reused number can be exploited in online transactions, especially if the details were previously exposed in a data breach.
- CVV/CVC Security: While the CVV changes with each card reissue, the underlying account number remains vulnerable.
A truly secure reissue involves a completely new 16-digit number.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Contact Your Bank Immediately: Call your bank’s customer service department (the number on the back of your old card or their website). Explain that you were reissued a card with the same account number and that you are concerned about security.
- Request a New Account Number: Specifically ask for a credit card with a completely new 16-digit number. Do not accept an explanation that it’s just a ‘safety measure’. Press them on this point.
- Document Everything: Keep a record of the date and time of your call, the name of the representative you spoke with, and any reference numbers provided. If possible, follow up in writing (email or letter) confirming your request.
- Cancel the Existing Card: Once they agree to issue a new card with a different number, explicitly cancel the old one. Confirm that it is deactivated and no further charges can be made on it.
- Update Automatic Payments: This is crucial! You’ll need to update all your automatic payments (subscriptions, utilities, etc.) with the details of your new credit card.
- Check online accounts for recurring payments.
- Review bank statements from the past few months to identify any missed subscriptions.
- Contact companies directly if you can’t find them listed online.
- Monitor Your Statements: Carefully review your credit card statements (both paper and online) for any unauthorized transactions, even after the new card arrives. Report anything suspicious immediately.
Most banks allow you to set up transaction alerts via SMS or email.
- Consider a Credit Freeze/Fraud Alert: If you’re particularly concerned about identity theft, consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts with the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). You can also place a fraud alert.
- Experian: https://www.experian.co.uk
- Equifax: https://www.equifax.co.uk
- TransUnion: https://www.transunion.co.uk
Reporting the Issue
If your bank refuses to issue a new account number, you can consider reporting them to:
- Financial Ombudsman Service: If you’re in the UK, you can escalate the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you’re not happy with the bank’s response. https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
- Action Fraud: Report any suspected fraud or data breaches to Action Fraud. https://www.actionfraud.police.uk