ABSA should repay me 61 238.50 plus interest (part 1). Parts 2 and 3 to follow.

Dear Mrs Crowe,

Thank you for agreeing to deal with my complaint against ABSA dated 2017/10/30.

As you have not reacted to my complaint yet, I am wondering whether you are waiting for further data. I have nearly 200 pp of supporting data, out of which I have made the following selection, which includes a updated version of my original submission to you. I am transmitting this to you in three parts as my first attempt was wiped clean when it was nearly complete.

1. I filled in a form under the ABSA letterhead and entered it on the internet. Because data were requested in the form which ABSA already knew, I asked about the form at once at the counter of my local ABSA branch in Swellendam. The most senior official present at the bank at the time (Ms Cheryl Carter) told me that the form was in fact genuine and I had nothing to worry about. If in fact it had been genuine, then, in terms of para 77 of the Code of Banking Practice (CBP), Ms Carter was not required to give me a receipt for my enquiry. At the time, my personal bank account at ABSA was out of action for a week. During the ensuing week, I made daily enquiries to Ms Carter and her assistants, and was told on each occasion that the the form was genuine and I had nothing to worry about. When, after a week, the account became active again, R 61 238.50 had been withdrawn from it. This confirms that the form was not genuine, and that Ms Carter had given me false information. I told the branch manager, Mrs Conradie, that I had given the bank sufficient warning (a full week) about possible phishing, and that, in terms of para 78 of the CBP, I was not liable for the missing money. however, I was charged the full amount by Mr/Ms Pravesh Bejay. after having been offered half the sum in return for a note of indemnity. I claim that ABSA should not base its client relations on persistent errors and rejection of the CBP, and should repay me the full sum plus accrued interest.