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How to Get Unbanned from an Online Banking Hack

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 11 November 2024
  • 12 mins read

Table of Content

Table of Contents

It can be a terrible experience to be locked out of your online banking account after a security breach. Online banking hacks can jeopardize your financial security, leaving you locked out of your account and vulnerable. 

But don’t panic! While the whole situation seems awful at first, there are ways to get access to your account. This guide explains how you can regain access and protect your information from future breaches.

Why Do People Get Banned from Their Online Banking Accounts After a Hack?

When an online banking account is hacked, banks often suspend access as a security measure. The most common reasons why individuals get locked out of their accounts after a hack include:

  1. Suspicious Transactions

If your bank detects unusual or unauthorized transactions, it may freeze your account to prevent further fraudulent activity.

  1. Phishing or Fraudulent Activities

Hackers often use compromised accounts to conduct fraudulent transactions. If your account is involved in any suspicious activity, your bank may ban or restrict access to prevent further damage.

  1. Security Breach Protocol

Many banks have strict protocols for breaches. If an unauthorized login attempt is detected, your bank might automatically lock your account until you verify your identity.

  1. Unauthorized Access Alerts

If your bank identifies login attempts from unfamiliar locations or devices, it may temporarily lock your account for your protection.

Can You Get Unbanned from an Online Banking Account Hack?

Yes, it's possible to regain access to your online banking account after a hack. However, you will need to verify your identity and follow specific recovery procedures set by your bank.

How to Get Unbanned from an Online Banking Hack

If your online banking account has been banned or restricted, it can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your funds. Here are several methods you can try to regain access to your account and get unbanned:

  1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

If your online banking account was restricted due to issues with your IP address, using a VPN might help you bypass the restriction. A VPN hides your real IP address and allows you to log in from a different location.

  1. Clear your browser's cache or uninstall any related banking apps.
  2. Install a reliable VPN service on your device.
  3. Select a high-speed VPN server in a different region.
  4. Connect to the VPN and try logging into your online banking account to see if the restriction has been removed.
  1. Submit an Appeal to the Bank

If your account was banned due to a policy violation, you can appeal the decision by contacting your bank. Here's how:

  1. Log in to your account (if possible).
  2. Go to the "Support" or "Help" section to find information about the ban.
  3. Review the reason for the restriction and follow the steps to resolve it.
  4. Submit any required documents (such as ID proof or transaction history) to support your appeal.

Make sure to clearly explain your situation and why the ban should be reconsidered. Banks typically respond within a few business days, but it could take longer depending on the case.

  1. Contact Customer Support

If the appeal doesn't resolve the issue, directly reaching out to customer support can help. You can:

  • Call your bank’s customer service hotline, usually available in the "Help" section of their website.
  • Reach out to the bank's social media support channels for faster responses.
  • Be polite and provide all the relevant details about your account and the restriction to increase your chances of getting help.
  1. Create a New Online Banking Account

If your appeal is rejected and the ban is permanent, creating a new account with your bank could be an option. However, banks often have strict rules about multiple accounts, and creating a new one without resolving the issues with your old account could lead to further complications.

By following these methods, you can improve your chances of getting your online banking account unbanned and restoring access to your funds.

What are the Types of Online Banking Bans & How to Fix Them?

Here are five common types of online banking bans explained in simple terms and how to fix them:

  1. Account Locked Due to Unusual Activity

Your bank might freeze your account if they notice something strange, like purchases from another country or big transactions.

How to Fix It?

Call your bank and confirm your identity. You might need to answer security questions or show ID to unlock it.

  1. Too Many Wrong Password Attempts

If you enter the wrong password too many times, your account might get locked for security reasons.

How to Fix It?

Wait for a while, or reset your password using the "Forgot Password" option. If needed, call customer support to help you log back in.

  1. Account Disabled Due to Inactivity

If you haven't used your account in a long time, the bank might disable it for safety.

How to Fix It?

Contact the bank and ask them to reactivate it. You might need to verify your identity and make a small transaction to get it working again.

  1. Breaking Bank Rules

Your account can be banned if the bank thinks you're doing something against their rules, like illegal activities.

How to Fix It?

Talk to the bank and explain your situation. If it was a mistake, you can provide proof to clear things up.

  1. Missing ID Verification

If you haven’t provided proper ID or documents, the bank might block your account until they have the right information.

How to Fix It?

Send the required documents (like ID or proof of address) to the bank. Once they verify them, your account will be back to normal.

How to Avoid Future Online Banking Hacks

After you recover your account, take proactive steps to secure it against future attacks:

  1. Use Unique Passwords

Your banking password should be difficult to guess. Consider using a password manager to store your credentials securely.

  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This extra security step requires you to verify your identity via a second method (such as a text message or authentication app), reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access.

  1. Monitor Your Transactions Regularly

Keep a close eye on your account activity and immediately report any suspicious transactions to your bank.

  1. Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Never click on links or open attachments from unfamiliar emails or messages, as these could be phishing attempts designed to steal your information.

  1. Secure Your Internet Connection

Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online banking. Instead, use a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your sensitive data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How long does it take to recover a hacked banking account?

    Plus

    It depends on the severity of the breach and your bank's policies, but it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.

  • Can I recover my funds after a banking hack?

    Plus

    Yes, if you report the hack quickly, many banks will work with you to reverse fraudulent transactions.

  • How can I prevent my bank account from being hacked again?

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    Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.

Wrapping Up

To regain access to your hacked online banking account, take the necessary security measures. For ongoing protection, consider using PurePrivacy with a VPN to protect your financial information from potential threats.