DR
Dinny R

1 reviews | Active since Jun 2021

05 May 2026, 14:08

bank account opened with *****ulent documents

I was de*****ed by my building contractor of R681972.5. I have made payment from my Absa account to his company bank account FNB. I was unaware at that time that the account number given to me by him was opened up *****ulently a week prior to payment being made.. I then opened a case of ***** with saps and was advised that his account was opened with *****ulent documents. I then approached FNB to advise them about the ***** which they in turn advised I should speak to my bank Absa to report the ***** first. The feedback I got from ABSA was that no maladministration \ ***** occurred from the side but emphasized ***** has been done but was not from there bank. I then went back to FNB and was advised they can not recover the money. I then approached the ombudsman for assistance, it took the ombudsman almost a year to come back to me to say that they found no maladministration from FNB even though account was opened with a *****ulent id as well as no due diligence and know your client was followed as well as FNB did not comply with the banking code of conduct when opening accounts.. My argument was if you say a client was de*****ed by ****ster into depositing funds into a mule account then the mule account holder is liable for the loss even though they were unaware the account was being used to commit *****, like wise FNB should be held accountable for the loss since it was they staff in collusion with the *****ster , from the bank consultant to the supervisor to the duty manager for them to override the system to create that account, overlooking using the biometric system that FNB prides itself it uses to detect *****ulent documents.. I went back to the ombudsmen for explanations how it’s possible the id subpoenaed by SAPS given by FNB shows date issued to be 2024 but the ***** occurred in 2022. In my email I wanted an explanation from the senior ombudsman manger to explain to me if this is not maladministration from FNB, I am still waiting for his response. It is also evident that the ombudsman is mostly likely to favor the banks even though with ample evidence proving otherwise. If FNB is not willing to admit liability, then all mule account holders, used by ****ster should not be liable for the loss seeing that FNB is willing to look away when its they fault but quick to fault the mule accountholder. I was also advised by the ombudsmen to report FNB to FIC for non-compliance but how would this help me in getting my money back. If overall thousands of customers are de*****ed in this way and Fic impose a five million fine on the banks that is pocket change for them, and this allows them to do what they want with limited repercussion that will not put a hole in the profits.

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Replies (1)
DR
Dinny R's update07 May 2026, 13:38
Reviewer Update
This is unacceptable, I have been advised by FNB the case has been closed and that I must deal with Absa . I was also advised that a case must be opened with SAPS even though this was already done, then how would I have known about the *****ulent ID. FNB is shielding they staff implicated in ***** mind you no mention by the bank that this will be reported to FIC. hello peter should look into all cases like this and all responses should be made public so people know how big corporates responds to issue of this nature.. response from FNB below
Dear Client,

We acknowledge the receipt of your complaint.

Please be advised that First National Bank (FNB) has followed all internal processes to investigate your case thoroughly. Kindly note that all correspondences have been sent to through to ABSA regarding your case.

Should you wish to pursue this matter further through ******** proceedings, FNB is committed to cooperating with law enforcement. We will provide the South African Police Service (SAPS) or other relevant authorities with information regarding the implicated FNB account, upon receipt of a Section 205 Subpoena in terms of the ******** Procedure Act 51 of 1977.

We regret any inconvenience this matter may have caused and appreciate your understanding.

Kind regards,
Hilda