Unlawful use of bank cards: be aware of legal liability

Bank cards provide a convenient way to pay for purchases, transfer money and access remote financial services. However, unlawfully using another person’s card or card details can cause financial harm and lead to criminal liability. Possessing a card, knowing its PIN or having access to a banking application does not give someone the right to freely use the money in the account.

Withdrawing money, transferring funds or paying for purchases without the cardholder’s consent, as well as using card details obtained through deception, requires legal assessment. For example, using a found card for personal purchases or secretly transferring money through a banking application on an acquaintance’s phone may have serious consequences. An intention to “pay the money back later” does not, by itself, authorise the use of another person’s funds.

Article 169 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan establishes liability for the secret theft of another person’s property. Where money is obtained through deception or abuse of trust, the conduct may constitute fraud under Article 168. Unlawful card transactions therefore do not all receive the same legal classification: the method used to obtain the funds, the person’s intent, the damage caused and other circumstances must be established. Depending on the applicable classification, penalties may include a fine, correctional labour, restriction of liberty or imprisonment. lex.uz

Permission to use a card for a specific payment does not automatically authorise other transactions. Giving strangers a card, its linked telephone number or access to a banking application in exchange for payment is also risky. If these facilities are used for unlawful transfers, the cardholder’s knowledge and involvement may be investigated.

To protect funds, keep PINs, one-time SMS codes, banking application passwords and card security codes confidential. Secret codes should never be disclosed to someone merely because they claim to work for a bank. Messages such as “your card has been blocked” or “send us the code to protect your money” should be independently verified through the bank’s official communication channels. Безопасность

If an unfamiliar transaction is discovered, promptly block the card through the bank’s official application or contact centre. Dispute the transaction with the bank and report the matter to the internal affairs authorities. Preserve SMS notifications, correspondence, receipts and records of the transaction’s time and amount. A found card should never be used; the issuing bank should be notified.

Understanding the rules governing bank card use helps students, teaching staff and employees prevent financial offences. Respecting other people’s funds and protecting personal banking information are responsibilities shared by every user.