RM
Ralf M

1 reviews | Active since Feb 2023

16 Feb 2023, 15:50

Need to open an Estate Account? Don't use ABSA.

I have been trying since 23 January to activate an estate account and get the accounts of the deceased closed and the funds transferred to the estate account. On 7 February an e-mail was sent to an incorrect e-mail address confirming that the FICA application for the estate account has been approved, On the same day I requested confirmation as to when the accounts would be closed and the funds transferred. An e-mail was sent to me on the 8 of February (again incorrectly addressed) stating that a fic lock was in place on the estate account and that I should visit a branch. I sent an e-mail requesting additional information, why I should visit the branch but did not receive any response. I thereafter sent a complaint to *** on 10 February who also did not respond. On 13 February another incorrectly addressed e-mail was forwarded to me in which I again was requested to visit a branch - without any explanation as to why. Again I requested information as to why I should visit the branch - again no response. I then phoned my local branch for assistance, who, after having contacted the deceased estates department, informed me late that afternoon that apparently the letter of executorship was not clear enough and that I had to resubmit a better copy. This was done at the branch at 9 o'clock 14 February. The consultant also requested the department to inform him when the account was activated. On the same day at around noon I received an e-mail acknowledging receipt of my e-mail regarding the wrong e-mail address but again falling to answer my queries. Instead was informed as to what I should and should not do in communicating with the department. On 15 February I responded to the e-mail shortly before noon and requested confirmation as to when the account would be activated and the others closed. On 16 February I phoned the branch at 9h00 to enquire whether they had any response and was informed that they had not but that the matter had been escalated. At 14h45 I instructed the bank the retain the funds of the deceased in the existing accounts as I would be opening an estate account with another bank and have the funds transferred there once opened. I also requested acknowledgement of e-mail. At this time, 15h50, I have had no responses whatsoever.

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Replies (1)
Absa
Absa's reply17 Feb 2023, 09:17
Official
Dear Ralf
  
Thank you for bringing this unfortunate matter/incident to my attention and please accept my sincere apology. Your reference number for this complaint is C-***3. Please be advised that an email has been sent to you requesting information. Once received, we will investigate further.
  
RegardsPravesh BejayAbsa Bank Group Customer Care