First National Bank [FNB] South Africa
reviews and complaints

To Samsung, Cell C & First National Bank

I feel that i cannot completely express my dissatisfaction and disappointment with your service. I can only describe it as if I sent you a beautiful wrapped present on your birthday, and upon opening said package, you find a half a bottle of Windolene and two AA batteries. Do you know that feeling of disappointment? Do you really? However i will try depict my frustration as accurately as possible, before you fixate on the batteries too much.

One sunny day this time last year, i received a phone call from FNB to inform me that i qualify for a cell phone contract. I was quite happy as my current cell phone was losing all life and decided that it would leave me after years and years of service. At that time, i had no trouble with my service provider, which i feel you should know this vital piece of information, as it was not the reason for my abandonment of such great service for almost a decade.

However i succumbed to this deal proposed by your 3 collaborating companies, with slogans like "How can we help you?", "The power is in your hands" and "The next big thing", how can you miss an opportunity like this, i believed i would be in for exceptional products and service. Which turned out to be a rather disappointing below average eighties adult film, with the same slogans repeated in every scene.

Well i digress. You may have lost any intention of continuing to read this complaint letter, but i shall continue with the hope that this will reach you by telegraph, smoke signal or pigeon mail.

I received my smart phone at the beginning of last year. Thinking that this magnificent device would make my life easier, as all new technology should, I believe this is your intention through all your advertising.

Alas this is not the case, this device decides to turn itself on and off again at any time it feels is the most suitable time to aggravate myself and I’m sure many other disgruntle users out there. But that's not all, with this great, great phone i get the added bonus of not receiving phone calls and smses on a regular basis until i turn my phone on and off again. And Cell C obviously feels that receiving my calls whenever someone chooses to contact me, is a preposterous idea. I should receive all this information one day a week.

So like a broken cistern in a bathroom, whereby you have to lift the lid every time you need to flush, you systematically have created the need for me to constantly switch off and on my phone, somewhat of a 'turd in the drinking water' expression comes to mind. I do believe that your two companies should provide this information in fine print in all your documents. And in the case that you have, I apologise silly me for not reading the proper instructions on how i should properly use my phone.

Step one: Turn phone on an off on a daily basis

Step two: In the event that your phone switches itself on and off again, by its own means, do not be alarmed! The important call you were having can be continued in approximately two to five minutes.

Don't worry FNB i have not left you out, i wonder during your process of collaborating with Cell C & Samsung were there underhanded dealings whereby you all agreed that the bar of service would be raised to the weakest link? Similar to that of, no child left behind?

I'm aware that you may direct me to the nearest store, whereby you will hijack my phone and leave me defenceless for a further 6 weeks, how will be able to receive my weekly phone updates. But i think your three corporations can put your heads together and come up with a better plan, seeing that you have put me in this predicament, and obviously I’m at the end of my tethers, a year later.

What I do promise to you, that when you call me, well if you get through that is, I will not put you on hold, I will not play any elevator music (The shnazzy music that plays in elevators, supermarkets, amusement park lines, and the YMCA's men locker room. - urban dictionary) and I will not record your telephone call for quality purposes.

My dearest and closest friend recently invested in one of your Samsung smart phones and changed over to Cell C, and i am starting to believe that your corporations may be out to get us and ruin our friendship as we no longer can contact one another, but that may be the all in my head.

But i hope we all can still be friends, well once this mess has been sorted out, of course.

Despondent
Lynette De Sousa

Dear Sir,
I have sent the following message to First National Bank of South America
on 5th.Feb. and a reminder on 7th.Feb. on E-Mail : [protected]@fnb.co.za.
Regret to inform that there is no reply.
Therefore I shall be much obliged if you could help me to receive a favorable
reply to the following message.
If you require the relevant documents, I could E-Mail same to your address.
Thanking you in advance,
Best Regards,
L.P.Fonseka

REMINDER
To: Director, International Transfer / Forex Dept., ( FNB )
Dear Sir,
I am anxiously waiting for a reply to my following message sent on 05.02.2013.
Best Regards,
L.P.Fonseka

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Ronald Fonseka
To: "[protected]@fnb.co.za"
Sent: Tuesday, 5 February 2013 10:24 AM
Subject: Fw: FIFA 2014 Microsoft online promotional Award,

To: Director, International Transfer / Forex Dept., ( FNB )
Dear Sir,
Microsoft London informed me that I have won a FIFA 2014 Microsoft online promotional Award, and to contact Mr. Robinson Packer, Processing Director
(Tel: +[protected], E-Mail: [protected]@toke.com ).
At first, I thought this was a hoax, but when Mr.Packer, on 03.01.2013, informed
me that I am indeed the winner of US$ 400, 000, and to fly down to Johannesburg
to finalize the transfer. If unable to do so, I was instructed to contact
Mr. Anthony Gomez ( Tel: [protected], E-Mail : [protected]@lawyer.com ).
Due to financial constraints, I was unable to visit South Africa and had to contact
Mr. Gomez instead. Mr. Gomez also confirmed the receipt of an Award to me and
wanted me to send him the First National Bank of South Africa ( Beneficiary Details )
Duly filled, A copy of my Driving Licence, and the Power of Attorney ( sent on 14.01.2013 ). He also mentioned that it will take about 7 working days to transfer the money and also agreed to receive his fees after I receive my money.
However, Mr. Gomez is not answering my mail after he received the Power of Attorney, and it is more than 18 days after I sent him the Power of Attorney.
Since I am now getting worried about the money, I shall be much obliged if you could let me know whether an award was actually received by your bank in my name, if so the amount and whether this money is still in my account.
I would also like to know how I could Transfer this amount ( if it is available ) to Sri Lanka .
Thanking you for an early favorable reply.
Best Regards,
Laleen Prasanna Fonseka,
SRI LANKA
( e-mail: [protected]@gmail.com)
Note: This message is being sent via my fathers (Ronald Fonseka ) e-mail address

I have applied for a study loan for my sister and I am battling to get it sorted out because I have to pay the funds to academy and first when I applied I was presses for the full amount gone through all the necessary steps fax all the needed documents through every time they phoned me and requested and after the last one I had to fax prove of residence and payslip both our IDs done and the consultant said all they have to do is confirm my adres and the funds will be transfer in 24 hours once I have received and signed the document after which I phone 24 hours later to find out why haven't I received any document yet only to be told no that now I can only get half the amount and a week later would only receive a quarter of the amount which after I said why and after sending the necessary documents again to them from the academy explaining that I have to pay the full amount put out on the quote they gave otherwise she can't do the course there and now it been again two and a half week later and yet no news? What should I do?

I am the owner of a $100.00 First National Bank and Trust Company of Newtown Debit Card with a expired expiration date. When I called Customer Service1-[protected], they told me to call [protected]. When I spoke to a customer service person they told me that they could do nothing for me but I had to call [protected] and speak to a program manager. I told them I am on that line and please let me talk to your manager. He insisted I had to redial that number again. After redialing that number I was told the same thing that it would not let me talk to a program manager so I asked for him to get me one He put me on hold and redirected me to the same telephone number and they finally told me they could not do anything for me but to call thebank that issued the card.

I called First National Bank and Trust at [protected] they told me to call [protected] and when I explained what happened when I called that number they told me they could not send me a new card because the on I had had expired. The expiration date is08/11. They could not due this, the card was never activate but they did not care. I was told to call [protected].

On Saturday the 20th of October I ran a race in Stellenbosch. Getting to my car after the race it did not want to start at all. So having the [protected] number for FNB roadside assistance I called them. The voice prom states "Welcome to FNB roadside assistance for petrol and cheque card holders".

The person I spoke to asked me for my detail which I supplied to him over the phone. He was unable to verify my details on his side and told me that in cases where they can`t track your information they log the case. You as the client have to pay yourself and then FNB will just reimburse you at your nearest branch. After 2 hours passed and the tow truck arrived informing me that I would have to pay R 1100 before they release my vehicle. I made a eft for the amount.

The Tuesday I go to the bank and they have no idea how to help me.I spend 3 hours in the bank waiting for someone to tell me what is going on, but nothing. The next day Tracy Hatter from FNB phones me as tells me that its not her department, but she will give my complaint over to Mosavel. After three days of investigation this is what she told me and I am quoting. "After my investigation & after confirming with FNB we cannot refund the amount that was paid to the towing company."

I will make it my personal mission to keep on complaining on every website possible until they money is paid back to me. You offered a service. I didn't contact anyone except FNB.

HELLO GUYS ! I HAVE ALSO RECEIVED FEW EMAILS FROM A PERSON MARK MORRISON WHO CLAIMS HIMSELF THE MANAGER OF FOREX DEPARTMENT AT FNB BANK SOUTH AFRICA SAYING ME THE FOLLOWING :
THAT YOU HAVE WON A POWER BALL LOTTERY AND THEY HAVE DEPOSITED MY MONEY IN FNB BANK AND NOW THEY ARE ASKING TO SEND THE FEE OF USD614 AND THAN THEY WILL SEND ME THE AWARD MONEY IN MY BANK ACCOUNT IN PAKISTAN. THEY HAVE ALSO GIVEN ME CERTIFICATES OF FNB BANKS AND OTHERS AND NOW THEY ARE ASKING ME THAT IF I WANT THE MONEY I SHOULD SEND THE FEE AMOUNT AND IF I DON'T WANT THAN I WRITE THEM A LETTER THAT I DIDN'T WANT THE MONEY AND THEY TRANSFER MY MONEY IN THE ESCROW BANK ACCOUNT FROM WHERE I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CLAIM MY AWARD AGAIN !
PLEASE MY FRIENDS TELL ME AND DISCUSS WITH ME WHETHER ITS REAL OR FAKE OR A SCAM FOR JUST STEALING MONEY ?
PLEASE FRIENDS TELL ME . I AM IN A BIG PANIC FRIENDS . AND FRIENDS I AM READY TO SHOW YOU THE CERTIFICATES WHICH THEY PROVIDED ME IF YOU WANT!

ON 29 MAY 2012 R2000.00 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM MY BNK ACCOUNT WHILE I WAS AT WORK WITH MY CARD IN MY PURSE. I RECEIVED AN EMAIL NOTIFICATION OF THIS WITHDRAWAL. I IMMEDIATLY PHONED THE BANK TO REPORTED THIS AND MY CARD WAS CANCELLED, THEY ADVISED ME TO GO TO MY BANK AND FILL IN CLAIM FORMS, THE PEOPLE AT KOLENADE FNB WAS TO SAY THE LEAST "RUDE AND UNHELPFULL" THAT MONEY THAT WAS STOLEN FROM ME BECAUSE OF FNB BAD SECURITY WAS FOOD, PETROL AND MONEY FOR MY SON 7TH BIRTHDAY. THEY ADVISED ME IT WILL TAKE 6 WEEKS FOR A RESULT. NOW THIS WAS THE SECOND FRAUGHT CASE ON MY ACCOUNT IN 9 MONTHS TIME. THE PREVIOUS ONE TOOK THEM 5 MONTHS TO RESOLVE. IT TOOK THE BRANCH A WEEK TO ACTUALLY GET THE CLAIM FORMS TO THE FRAUGHT UNIT AND FOR ME TO GET A REF. NR. TODAY I RECEIVED A CALL FROM FNB FRAUGHT UNIT TELLING ME THAT THEY WILL PROBABLY DECLINE MY CLAIM AS THEY CANT SEE ANY REASON MY CARD CAN BE CLONED. NOW MY QUESTION IS HOW CAN THEY SAY THAT. THE LADY WAS SAYING TO ME AS MUCH AS I WAS GIVING MY CARD TO SOMEONE THAT DAY TO WITHDRAW THE CASH. WHEN I SAID TO HER I CHECKED IN AT SECURITY AT WORK AND OUT AGAIN AT 2:50. I FIND THIS ABSOLUTELY A DISGRACE. WHEN I SAID TO HER ITS FNB RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP MY MONEY SAFE SHE SAID NO IT ISTN'T. SO AM I JUST SUPPOSED TO LEAVE IT AND LET PEOPLE STEEL MY MONEY AND GET AWAY WITH IT DUE TO FNB BAD SECURITY AND BEING THE WORST BANK IN SOUTH AFRICA. PLEASE HELP!

I would like to express my sheer shock n disgust at the service I have received from your institute. I recently had a delightful experience of being short paid at an atm in Ashley, Pinetown. Seeing as it was over the weekend and the bank was closed, I proceeded to go to the nearest branch during the course of the week. To my surprise I was told it would take more than a month to have my query resolved. Further more, I was given the number of the atms department and asked to contact them myself. My friend, who happens to work for a competitor bank, assisted by contacting the claims department.

We were advised that we needed to contact the branch, as they don’t deal with customers directly. After many calls, at my own expense, I received no joy or even any feedback. The consultant was never available . He called back after a whole week, to say, he didn’t receive any feed back. During this time however, the atms department manager, Debbie, advised there was no escalation to her and only the branch could assist me.

For a bank, whom I loyally support, I’m disgusted at the service standards ! Further more, how beneficial is it to have electronic systems, when they do not work effectively. I am not crying over a measly R20. But an amount of R600. I find it miraculous that such an amount could just disappear .

What shocks me even further, is how many other people receive the same treatment and how many customers are being robbed of large amounts daily. Never mind the bank charges, we consent to that, what we do not agree to is : being short changed and receiving slap dash pathetic service, for which we personally bear the cost.

The next time, you think of doing a ” hi its steve ad, be sure to advise customers that you make affordable banking for them, by ripping them of during withdrawals as well as making them to the job of incompetent staff.

I was asked to pay certain corrier and bank charges to a private account for onward transfer to the first national bank of south Africa to enable the bank send my loaded ATM card through DHL, I want to find out if that is in line with the First National bank of South Africa Policy. my E. mail Address is [protected]@yahoo.com.
I need your response as urgent as possible

I received notification that payment on my FNB Credit card is in arrears. This is not true. I’m currently on study leave and I’m not able to go to the bank. Due to this matter I made an early payment on 03/03/2012 of R2000. This was my payment for end of March as I already made a payment for end of February on 27/02/2012.
I was charged a late payment fee of R210 on 31/03/2012. How can they charge me late payment fee if I made an early payment? I received an sms that they took R180 from my Smart Account and transferred it to my Credit Card. I didn't give permission to take money from my account. According to FAIS and FICA this is against the law and I am considering taking legal action. If payment was not made I can understand it, but I made an early payment. I keep on receieving sms's that payment is in arrears and nothing is done to sort this out.

Dear Sir / Madam
I write to you because I need help, concerning my late uncle’s WILL. His name was Mr Mafukuzela Francis Ngubane (id no [protected])who died knowing that he had a WILL until we were told by the RICHMOND FNB BRANCH bank that his will was not signed but only had signatures of two witnesses therefore it was invalid, and we never got to see it .I’m very disappointed because his wishes were not fulfilled due to negligence caused by your staff members. I want you to investigate who was responsible in advising and helping my uncle in the drawing up of his WILL, because I feel that the bank has been negligent, how can they keep an unsigned document for so long and why didn’t they inform my uncle that the WILL was done when he wasn’t told to sign it, if that is the case.
This took place at the RICHMOND FNB BRANCH. In 2008, my uncle took my id and told me that they wanted it at the bank because he was drawing up his WILL. He came back to me informing me that he has done it and that, should anything happen to him, I should go to the bank to ask for it. For all these years he kept telling me the same thing, then on the 07/09/2010, he took me to the bank to give me signing powers in all his accounts, where we were assisted by a lady called Mbali, after that he asked Mbali if he could see a lady by the name of Theodora, Mbali showed us where Theodora was. When we went there we found Theodora already waiting for us by the door outside her office. She didn’t even let us sit but she asked my uncle how she could help him, my uncle responded by telling her that he has brought me in so that I could see the WILL, he requested that Theodora show me the WILL. Theodora responded by asking my uncle if there was anything that he wanted to change in his WILL, and my uncle responded by saying, ” No I just want my daughter to see it”, Theodora then said to my uncle “MR Ngubane if there is anything that you want to change in the WILL then everything is still as you have said” She then let us go without showing us the WILL. I also did not insist on seeing it because I trusted all the services offered by the branch staff. From that day that how I got to know that Theodora has been the one assisting my uncle with the drawing up of his WILL, because my uncle was the kind of person that wasn’t just assisted by anyone, he had his people that he chose to deal with, and most of the staff knew that, since its the small branch and because he has been with the bank for more than plus /minus 35 years. The following week on the 15/09/2010 my uncle shot himself and died. According to him he died knowing that he had sorted everything with regards to the WILL.
I’m trying to let go of the whole thing but I just can’t, since I have unanswered questions, and maybe my uncle is not the only victim of this. So I want to put an end in people being employed to do their jobs but don’t do it properly and since a WILL is a serious thing, and a lot has happened within our family due to this so called unsigned WILL and the bad part is that my uncle is no more to give clarity as to what happened.

Yours faithfully,
Ms Nosisa Maud Ngubane ([protected])

I applied for a new Cheque Account on 28 Feb 2012. I completed the application online and it was lonked to my existing cheque account. I then received an email confirmation from FNB notifying me that my account is active and ready to use.

I then had money paid into the account but could not actually use the account. I received errors when trying to transfer funds between my account and when trying to make a payment to an external creditor. I called FNB and was directed to the telephone banking division who told me that the reason I cannot do anythig is because I did not yet receive a card. At the time I was in JHB.

I tried (unsuccessfully) to access the funds in the account and on Tuesday 06 March went to FNB Pinelands to find out exactly what was happening. I was told that the account was blocked and because I did not provide proof of residential address or proof of identification when I opened the account. I then got into a back and forth heated argument/dicussion with the consultant because FNB requires address verification from our company's payroll records and our payroll is outsourced. The payroll company therefore DOES NOT have access to our physical address. I expained this to the consultant about 5 times, at which point she gave me a template/document and told me to write a letter on a company letter head stating that I live where I do.

I wrote the letter AND completed the form she gave me (just in case) and then went back to FNB today (07 March) only to get told that the form I was given was a TEMPLATE and that I was supposed to have written the letter using the exact wording on the template. At that point I was frustrated and very angry. I went on to tell the SAME CONSULTANT that our payroll could not verify residential details because they don't have access to the information. A 2nd consultant came to assist me and I explained to her that I told the consultant our payroll company does ont have the required details and that she also told me to just write a letter.

I now have to, for the second time, write a letter. I now also have to go back to the bank AGAIN today to try and get this sorted out while my company is losing money because I am ont working (R570 per hour, exluding VAT and I have had my time wasted for close on 4 hours so far = R2589.20).

My issues with this entire process is:
1. FNB has big advertising stating how easy it is to apply for an account online, but IT IS NOT!
2. When I recieved the email stating my account was ready to use IT WAS NOT. There was no communication from FNB that, as an existing client, I needed to submit address details AGAIN!
3. I also received an sms confirming my card is on its way. How is that possible if my account is on hold?!
4. The consultant who assisted me at the Pinelands branch gave me the wrong information, didn't listen to what I was telling her, was dense and this resulted in my time being wasted (AGAIN) because I did not have the correct letter/format of letter with me when I went back there.

I am relying on other people for transport today and I needed access to this money yesterday. It is absolutely pathetic that it has taken this long to have access to my money when FNB states how easy it is to open a new account. And my colleague had the same pathetic experience just last week.

I do hope that this matter is attended to and that something is done with regards to the advertising as well as the service I received. I have been an FNB customer for probably more than 15 years now (from the 'BOB' days) and this is the absolute WORST service I have ever, ever experienced.

I am here by logging a formal complaint as I am really getting frustrated with FNB’s putrid service. For all the years that I have been banking with Standard Bank have I never experienced such pathetic service which I have just been banking with FNB for few months.

On Tuesday the 17th I received an sms stating I withdrew and amount of R1300 from an Epping Industrai Standard bank atm, I immediately went to Promenade FNB to log this fraud complaint, they cancelled my card and ordered a new card which I was told it would take 2-3 working days. I at the time thought it would be fine as I will get paid only the Saturday. I then continued discussing as to why it take so long for a fraud case to be resolved as someone stole my money and need my money due to me having to still buy my 2year old his essential goods, not once during my plea for a urgent assistance did anyone reassure me that my query would be assistant in a URGENT manner, All I heard was policies and procedure. I begged for someone to understand as a human being and not a FNB consultant however no luck, The manager at Promenade by the name of Bradley promised me that Yvonne Marie Abrahams(who is the Promenade consultant) was going to call me and advise me as to what the happenings are on my query.

However Thursday 19/01/2012 still no word from her I called numerous times just to get documents sent on the Fraud department as I spoke to Theunis Els(at Fraud) advising they have not received anything for me… I constantly had to do the calling, I even asked her, Yvonne to send me the copy of the documents so that I can send it on to them myself(but nothing) only after me mentioning to Rieyaana at Promenade she advised she will request Yvonne to give me a call back. I received an email from Bradley at 03:49 Thur which only then had the documents attached.( why was there no customer service).

Friday 20/01/012 I called the Fraud department and spoke to a very helpful Gary Korier advising me that the case was opened and provided me with a case no 85219. I was at ease to know at least my Fraud case is being attended to and I know the happenings thus far baring in mind it will take 2-4 weeks.

As I got the notification from my HR department with regards to salary I remember I do not have a card as yet and need to get one asap, I then called the N1 city branch and they informed me my card has not arrived as yet. Even though I was told it would take 2-3 working days and I was at ease/happy with that. I then went to the N1 west branch to see what can be done and a very adamant, argumentative, unfriendly Lielsl Smith advised me that I should then get a temporary card, at that time I was ok with the Idea just for me to at least get money from my bank. Out of interest I asked her with regards to all the fees that should be reserved due to my fraud case and she informed me a replacement fee with be charged for the temp card of R60 which I am not willing to pay. After having a heated argument with her I demanded to speak to her manager, which she called Meagan… Megan then came to the front and explained that it could not be reversed if I want the card. I explained to her, I did not loose my card, I was a victim of Fraud and therefore her discretion have to be take as all cases are different. She refused to budge and at the end said there is then nothing they can do as the R60 was billed and will only then be removed with in 2-4 wks…I now have no way of getting my money from the bank and cnt understand why I should be billed the card fee as a FNB consultant cut the card right in front of me but now I need to pay just to get my money. If my card arrived like I was told then I wouldn’t need a temp card! I ended up walking away without the card as she said I then cant get a replacement card. I called Karin Smith(complaints) and explained to her advising the story and she herself was shocked and could not understand why they could not assist me. She also said that she will get someone to call m before the end of business today. However it is 4:10 pm as I am still typing thins email and STILL no call which I assume FNB being a bank the business hours are till 3.30. This is just getting more and more pathic.

I would like to thank Theunis Els and Gary Korier for their exceptional service as they assisted me as far as they could and even went the extra mile. I would like to add that all the people in the braches of Promenade and N1 branch should get some customer service training from them as they are doing an outstanding job.

I HAVE EVERY INTENTION OF TAKING THIS FURTHER AND PASSING THIS EMAIL TO ALL COMPLAINS COMPANY THERE IS….

I trusted FNB as my bank but after my experience I would not ever want to deal with FNB and as you know the word of mouth is the fastest way of marketing and pretty sure will spread very fast as a air wave… I want my money refunded asap, all the bank charges reveres as well as the card fees.

VERY UPSET, DISAPPOINETD AND IRRATATED CLIENT

Justine

I always thought a bank has to review plans, strategies, and analysis of proposed business before approving a loan. At least proof of ownership of the land or copy of the survey from the person requesting the loan. I think First National Bank should b held accountable for their mistake of lending David and Patricia Burnett $48, 000.00 to build an auto garage with the entire building setting on our land. First National Bank has cost us attorney fees, surveyor fees, stress, not to mention the constant conflict now with the neighbors. I think the building should be removed at First National Banks expense as well as reimbursing us from our losses. At least then we would have a little relief before the neighbors move into our house and try to claim it! Why should First National Bank be able to benefit themselves and their clients at MY FAMILYS EXPENSE?

I was mugged on the 30Dec. My PA. Speedpost me cell phone and send money via eWallet. I went into the bank for assistance. Due to lack of training they removed my pin created for the wallet. I had to w8 48hrs to access the money. After the 48 hours I created a new pin. I went back to the ATM to withdraw the money but as expected, there’s an error and they cannot assist me…according to the printout from the ATM there’s no pin created for the wallet. I have already posted this on my FB profile, Twitter, Hellopeter, BB Messanger, Windows Live, Company website and a few other Websites. Not to bad mouth FNB but to warn others about the problems of the eWallet service.

I have rarely dealt with a company so lacking in customer service as the first national bank Card division. If you look at my previous posts, I have repeatedly asked for them to either fix the charges or SUE ME! And heaven behold – I was finally charged R35.23 fee for a SECTION 129123 NOTICE FEE from first national. It is now almost three weeks later and I still have no letter in my possession. How can first national bank be so incompetent? They instead keep phoning me weekly to inquire when I will be paying. PLEASE please please just hand over this account. I have sent mails, asked via the telephone, and still you simple refuse!

Dear Sir, I have received a letter from Anglo American Lottery that I have won Two Million Dollar. I got a letter from FNB South Africa that the winning amount send from your bank, fee that should to pay 350 dollar as transfer charge. Let me know the fact that this letter is from your bank or not. Hope your reply soon so I can find out if this is a scam or not from First National Bank of South Africa. I did not entry to this lottery, but hoping soon that I won. Two Million would be a nice prize for myself included, yet sounds like scam that could be good to be true, as things online usually become.

I had a loan from First National Bank 4 years ago, ran out of work, couldn't pay the loan, now I'm paying at the attorneys and they start to debit R258, 62 from my bank account, no one can help me, went the Zevenwacht Branch they could'nt help, the Kuils River branche either. The number I got to call Smart Spend law departpent, nobody is answering the phone, I wasted a lot of airtime on them by just waiting to answer my call, I just my money ( debit order to be returned ) back, because I am paying the account at the attorneys ( Simpson )

On Sunday the 22nd May 2011 my cellphone suddenly showed “Limited Services”, however being at Church I thought it might be a problem with MTN and did not worry about it, however by Sunday evening my phone was still showing “Limited Services”. I put my sim card in my wife’s phone and it showed that there was a “sim” card problem, I decided to leave it till the Monday morning, until I opened my e-mails, and then I realised something was wrong as money was moving out of my account at a rapid speed. I immediately phoned my Private Banker whom in turn contacted First National Bank Fraud Division and my account was frozen, but too late, the thieves had already taken R 16, 000.

FNB Fraud Division tracked the EFT Funds to Standard Bank and ABSA, I also have statements where the thieves paid R 1, 000 into a cellphone account. FNB Fraud Division contacted me and forwarded forms I had to complete and open a theft case at SAPS, which I duly did and sent the Case Number and completed forms back to First National Bank Fraud Division, after that I received a letter from FNB confirming the case is being investigated and will take approximately 3 weeks. After 4 weeks I asked FNB for an update, only for FNB to tell me that I have to complete forms for MTN before MTN will supply information regarding the Sim Swap, I found this strange that only after I complained did First National Bank ask me to fill in forms for MTN.

This suggests that First National Bank had not been working on this case, I warned FNB that I want my money back and will be approaching the Ombudsman. Suddenly I am advised by phone by First National Bank that my account was compromised and they will not be refunding my money and advised I should contact the Ombudsman if I want to take the case further…..all this happened once I started sending e-mails demanding my money back, personally I think FNB took offense and made a decision that my account was compromised, if this is the case how is it possible, I am a one man business working from home, and only I work on my computer, my business is internationally based and I am well aware of “Phishing” e-mails that do the rounds.

It is evident from postings on Hello Peter .com that FNB simply does not care about their Clients, but are very quick to take service fees to enrich themselves. First National Bank has all these marvellous adverts “how can we help you” should be changed to “how can we take your money”.

I have switched my banking to FNB on 20 May 2011 and they have promised to switch my debit orders. It is now 14 July, after making telephonic enquiries; escalating the matter and submitting a complaint through their own website they have not come back back to me, but all the resources within FNB I keep complaining to keep passing the buck to someone else, but altimately no one gets back to you. Its ironic, they advertise themselves with the phrase, "How can we help you" and even when calling out for help, they are not helping me. I complained on 1 July 2011; 11 July 2011, and two different resources (not including the promises made by the call centre in June) Mpumi Ncube complaint reference : 101431 and Yolanda Gaehler complaint ref no 52HEXSAK both directly from FNB. My excitement of joining the bank was shortlived after telling everyone to follow suit. I will be sure to remember to inform others of my experience so they dont have to go through the hell I am going through.