Incorrect SAFPS Listing by ABSA

was listed by ABSA, who I have loyally banked with since 2008, on the South African ***** and Prevention Services (SAFPS) List in 2017. I received no notification from ABSA or the SAFPS that I had been listed and was given no opportunity to answer to the allegations leading to my listing.

The company, who I am still employed by, fell prey to ********** transactions in 2017. Our management immediately requested that the business accounts be blocked at FNB. Prior to the accounts being blocked, funds were transferred to my personal ABSA account for use by the company until such time as the issue was resolved. Identifying this transaction, FNB then requested that ABSA block my account as a precaution. After several months FNB confirmed that my account was not involved with the ********** transactions and emailed ABSA directly. This email, which I was cc’d in, informed ABSA that their Client (my employer) knew about the transfer and that the block on my account was made in error.

I assumed this would be the end of the matter until I recently app**** for a home loan recently and discovered that my name appeared on the SAFPS list at ABSA’s instruction.

Despite numerous visits to my ABSA branch and being passed from pillar to post, nothing has been resolved. I have followed up countless times telephonically and I have sent numerous email to the transactional ***** department. I have received a reference number and have been promised that ABSA would contact me as soon as possible. I have received no communication from ABSA despite the attempts outlined above.

When I call the ***** department, the ABSA call center agents inform me that they cannot assist me as this is a transctional ***** department issue and they only correspond via email. All they have been able to tell me is that my reference has not been assigned to an agent as of yet. These call center agents (the names of which I will withhold as it is an ABSA efficiency issue) have escalated my matter to their team leaders with a promise of a follow up call - which I never receive.

I have since lost any hope of receiving financing for the home I had hoped to purchase nor am I able to obtain any other lines of credit. ABSA has made light of a situation which has had a huge impact on my life and is likely to continue to implicate my future plans. I am bitterly disappointed with their service and can easily say that they do not have a single drop of the “africanacity” they so confidently advertise. After 12 years I will be closing my accounts at ABSA and moving to a different bank.

I do not recommend ABSA.