In our country, more than 4,000 cell phones are stolen every day, according to data provided by the operating companies to the Private Investment Supervisory Agency in Telecommunications (Osiptel). In order to protect users’ money against this type of cases, the Association of Banks of Peru (Asbanc) introduced the 1820 emergency line.
This number will allow users to connect with various banking entities to block their cards, digital wallets and financial applications in cases where their mobile device is stolen. Find out below how this new emergency line works and which entities participate in this service. Asbanc.
How does the new 1820 emergency line work?
According to Nancy Figueroa, Financial Client Defender of the Association of Banks of Peru (Asbanc), most people do not remember the customer service number of their financial institution and it is necessary, in cases of cell phone theft or physical cards, to block the plastic immediately, despite the strong negative emotion that prevents us from reacting in the best way.
“Considering that 38% of claims for unrecognized transactions in 2023 were due to lost or stolen devices, the 1820 service is an effective solution that can help thousands of people protect their bank accounts. In addition, it is a tool that the banking system has designed to simplify the blocking process and protect personal savings quickly,” he said.
To access the 24-hour emergency line 1820, follow these steps:
- Call 1820 from any telephone operator nationwide.
- Please state which bank or financial institution you wish to contact.
- The call will be automatically transferred to the financial institution’s blocking area.
- Remember that each entity has its own protocols for blocking.
- If a user has cards in more than one bank, he or she must call 1820 more than once. Only one call is required for each financial institution where the card needs to be blocked.
Which entities participate in this new Asbanc service?
- BCP
- Interbank
- BBVA
- Scotiabank
- Falabella Bank
- CrediScotia
- My bank
- Ripley Bank
- Pichincha Bank
- Cencosud Box
- Banbif
- Compartamos Financial
- Financial Confidence
- Finally
- GNB Bank
- Bancom
- Effective
The number of cell phone thefts is increasing
Between January and April 2024, 536,728 robberies were recorded, according to the Private Investment Supervisory Body in Telecommunications (Osiptel). Among the most stolen brands are:
- Samsung: 16,434
- Redmi: 58,703
- Huawei: 35,403
- Apple: 35,031
- ZTE: 19,448
- Oppo: 14,755
- Little: 9,768
- LG: 6.800
- Others: 39,511
Mondays are the days with the highest number of reports of stolen mobile devices per hour, reaching 220 complaints, reported the National Registry of Mobile Terminal Equipment for Security (Renteseg). This increase is notable compared to other days of the week, such as Saturdays with 190 reports and Tuesdays with 184 incidents.
How do I know if my phone is reported stolen?
- Go to the Renteseg website.
- Enter your IMEI.
- Continue with the process and you will be shown the status details.
You can also find out your IMEI by sending a message to *#06# from your phone. You can also find it in your device’s box, so we recommend keeping it for any validation and to prove ownership.
Source: Larepublica
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
