What to do if you find someone else's bank card

1. Don't think about freebies

Even if the card has not yet been blocked, it is unlikely that you will be able to use it.

When you try to pay for something on the Internet, the password will be sent to the holder's phone number. Two-factor authentication is almost everywhere.
When you try to withdraw cash, you will be taken to the security cameras that are equipped with ATMs.

Instead of a freebie, it's more realistic to get a term. Article 159.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation for an attempt to hack someone else's account provides for a fine of up to 120,000 rubles, compulsory or corrective labor, or imprisonment up to three years. Also, a criminal case can be initiated for theft.

2. Don't look for an owner

The hassle of reissuing a bank card is not your problem. The noble impulse to return the loss can turn against you.

Let's say you found a cardholder through social networks (lucky - a rare name and surname). But in a personal meeting, instead of "thank you", you can get a charge of theft. Under the psychological pressure of a fraudster, it is really easy to believe that N rubles have disappeared from the account, and to get money out of your pocket.

Posting ads on the internet is also a bad idea. If the card has not yet been blocked, fraudsters can use its details.

Anastasia Loktionova Deputy General Director of Rusmikrofinance

There is a life hack on the Web when they transfer the minimum amount to the found card and ask the owner in the comments to contact the sender. There is nothing illegal in this, because you are not withdrawing, but crediting money. But you also need to be careful, people are different. This method is possible if you find the card somewhere in the office or in the entrance of your house. Probably, it was lost by one of the colleagues or neighbors.

3. Call the bank

Inform that the card is lost, and dictate its number. This will help the holder save money if he has not yet missed the loss.

The bank's hotline phone number is indicated on the back of the plastic carrier. The bank will contact the client and block the card.

A lost card is considered compromised. A financially savvy person will not use it.

It doesn't matter if you lost your debit or credit card. Any one should be re-released, or at least change the pin code if the loss is suddenly found.

Anastasia Loktionova Deputy General Director of Rusmikrofinance

4. Destroy the plastic media

After calling the bank, cut the card into several pieces with scissors and discard. Better in different trash cans.

The card is the property of the bank (this is written on its back). Formally, the holder should not destroy it himself, even if the validity period has expired. In practice, no one will figure out who and how got rid of an expired or compromised card. Indeed, in this situation, it is already just a piece of plastic.

Anastasia Loktionova Deputy General Director of Rusmikrofinance

Finding an ownerless bank card does not oblige you to anything. The easiest option is to walk by. But if you have already raised, act prudently.