What to Do If ETC Card Is Stolen?
3 Answers
If your ETC card is stolen, report the loss immediately and bring your ID card, original vehicle license, and copies to the bank counter to handle the card replacement or reissuance procedures. The installation process for ETC devices is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU. A red light will briefly turn on, and the OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and stick it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device. ETC device activation method: Insert and remove the ETC card twice consecutively until the electronic tag screen displays "Bluetooth On." If "Tag Invalid" appears when inserting/removing twice without attaching the tag, this is normal and does not affect activation. Alternatively, press the button on top of the electronic tag to enable Bluetooth. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and open the corresponding mobile app (usually a download QR code is on the electronic tag) to enter the device activation interface. Click "Device Connection" and wait patiently for the "Connection Successful" prompt. After successful connection, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete activation.
A few days ago, my ETC card was also stolen, which was really frustrating. First, immediately contact the ETC service provider's hotline to report the loss, so that others cannot misuse your card. I think it's best to call the police right away to file a report, just in case the thief uses the card for illegal activities. After handling these matters, apply for a replacement card as soon as possible. Nowadays, many apps can handle this, saving time. By the way, check your recent toll records to confirm there are no strange charges; otherwise, you'll need to dispute them with the bank. Usually, pay more attention to closing windows and locking doors when parking to avoid losing items, as ETC cards are small but valuable. Sharing a bit of experience, I also installed a small safe box in my car to store documents, reducing the risk.
When my ETC card was stolen, I immediately thought about security issues. Modern services can all be resolved online. Opening the ETC app or official website to report the theft and lock the card was a smooth process. I think the key is still account monitoring. You need to check the transactions of the linked bank card in case someone uses it at toll stations, causing fees to skyrocket. Technically, ETC cards with chips are easily copied, so I remind everyone not to post installation photos online to avoid leaks. By the way, let’s talk about the usual function of remotely controlling the vehicle with a smartphone, which can assist in theft prevention.