When a Social Security prepaid debit card is stolen, you can find yourself without funds at a crucial moment when you need to pay bills or purchase items such as food or medicine. Reporting the theft immediately will help to get the old card canceled and your balance quickly transferred to a new one. According to the Financial Management Service of the United States Department of the Treasury, reporting the theft immediately in most cases will also protect your card balance from unauthorized transactions. As of September 2011, Direct Express Payment Processing Services handles all card issues, including card theft.
Contact Direct Express Customer Service at 888-741-1115 within 48 hours of the card theft. In most instances, reporting it within two business days can reduce your liability in regards to the loss of money on the card. For example, as of September 2011, if a thief produces more than $50 in unauthorized transactions, you usually won’t lose more than $50 if you report the theft within two business days.
Answer all of the questions asked by the representative to provide details about the theft. If you have automatic bill payment set up on your account, make certain you tell the representative. The representative will open an investigation, cancel your old card and make a request for a new card to be sent to you in approximately 10 to 15 days. If you need access to your money sooner, ask the representative for overnight delivery.
Clarify any details you’re uncertain about with the representative and write down the amounts of any fees before ending the call. For example, you pay fees for overnight delivery or if this is your second replacement card in a calendar year. Once you report the theft, wait for your new card to arrive.
