Disgrunted Client of ABSA Home Loans - (15 Years)

Id like to place on record my utter disappointment in ABSA Bank.

15 YEARS ago, I had chosen ABSA - 1 of the 4 major banks to fund my 1st Dream Home. It has been 180 months of me diligently paying back to this institution.

Over 5 months ago, (7th February 2022) , I had decided to sell my property and an email notification was sent to the ABSA Legal Team informing them of the sale of my property. I had emailed and spoken to Brenda and Priscilla who had acknowledged my notification.

I had also gone into ABSA Windermere and The Atrium branches over 3 times since February 2022 to discuss and communicate my plans with ABSA. I was later told that there is no record of these visits or calls as there are no notes on the system, how can this be happening?

It is very frustrating that in 2022, an ABSA client cannot walk into a bank and speak to a person face to face about something as BIG and important as a Home Loan. Now, when I walk into an ABSA branch as a client, I feel alone, like there is nobody whom I can speak to as I am just a number. This needs to change urgently.

On the 15th July, the property was sold and transferred to the new owner. There was a refund of R10 502.00 which should of been paid to me within 14 days. I was aware that I had to wait for the funds to be refunded and there is a process in place as In any Financial Institution.

*On Monday 1st August I had gone into the branch to enquire about my refund, after an hour of being put through to many departments and eventually demanding to speak to a Supervisor at the Call Centre, I was put through to Ruth who was very helpful and got me the contact of Kenneth from the Legal Department.

*On Tuesday 2nd August, once again travelled early to get to the branch, I had spoken to Kenneth who had confirmed that my refund was for R10 502.00 and It would be paid this week.

He did mention that Beryl or Vasu were Managers who would approve the refund amount once all checks were done and he promised to pay the refund once approved.

*On Wednesday 3rd August, I had gone into the branch yet again to chase up my refund and ensure it was paid. I was then told by Kenneth that Beryl / Vasu had approved the refund and I was not going to be paid the full amount but only R4059.77. The penalty was R6442.23. I had informed him that notification of sale was sent on 7th February 2022 via email. Kenneth advised that I should send the email thread showing the proof of me notifying ABSA and promised that it would be refunded within a day or two, before the end of the week.

*On Thursday 4 August, I went into the Windermere Branch TWICE and had no luck in getting hold of Kenneth as his line was set on not receiving calls. I had tried his 011 number and it sometimes works and sometimes doesnt - Why is this the case, clients should feel free to speak about the concerns with their ABSA nank regardless of which department it may be, not feel intimidated by all the processes and blockages.

I feel that Im being bul**** by ABSA to get what belongs to me!

How is it possible that a big bank like ABSA, one that I had chosen could let me down in my time of me needing a honest bank to handle my affairs fairly and diligently?

I am now in the process of buying my next property but sadly due to the bad service received from ABSA, I might consider using STANDARD BANK or FIRST NATIONAL BANK. Its really sad as I would of stayed with ABSA. I am extremely disappointed in the way I am being treated.

This will not be accepted and my lawyers will be in contact with Absa if this is not resolved by lunchtime tomorrow (Friday - 5 August - 2pm)

Please also take into consideration that I will require compenstation for the time lost off work and travelling costs to get to the branch the whole week. Also consider that there is interest that I am losing out on daily due to ABSA's administrative blunder.

Im sorry but I will not fit the bill for this and will also go to the media if there is no resolution found and my money not returned as this is ****************.

ABSA also has slow and outdated procedures which really need to be relooked at, clients need a modern bank, not a bank one has to beg and fight for whats rightfully due to them.

I would appreciate some intervention here from someone in ABSA Senior Management as I will not rest until my money is returned to the rightful owner.

I look forward to hearing from ABSA.

Regards

Mr J.Y.Jugath ( A furious & very disappointed long standing ABSA client) ***