FNB does nothing to stop *****sters!
It is shocking and infuriating that FNB, a reputable institution, can allow something like this to happen and then take no responsibility for it. How is it possible that they can do nothing about an existing client who is actively using their bank account for ******** activities? FNB should be protecting the public from *****sters, not allowing their platform to be exploited by ********s like Kelvin Brooks to cheat and ***** from innocent people. The fact that they did nothing to recover the ****** funds or take action against their client’s ********ity is utterly unacceptable. This is a massive failure on FNB’s part—how can they stand by and let their clients get away with such *****? People need to think twice before doing business with a bank like FNB, which allows ********s to use their accounts with impunity and leaves their victims with nothing. Don’t they have insurance for incidents like this? It’s frustrating beyond belief, and their complete lack of responsibility is appalling!
Background: On 20 August 2024, I purchased an iPad with a keyboard and stylus on Facebook Marketplace. The transaction was initiated after I carefully examined the seller's profile and information. The seller's name is Kelvin Brooks, and his location was listed as Stilbaai in the Western Cape.
I engaged in communication with Kelvin Brooks over Facebook. During these interactions, he provided me with his banking details and email address. I confirmed his Facebook profile and cross-verified the information he provided. Satisfied that the seller was legitimate, I proceeded with the purchase. We agreed that I would transfer the amount of R17 500 from my Standard Bank account to his FNB account. The payment was made using the reference number ***.
We arranged for the item to be delivered to a friend of mine residing in Stilbaai. However, the seller never delivered the product as agreed.
After the agreed-upon delivery time passed without any action, I attempted to contact the seller, Kelvin Brooks. However, I found that I had been blocked on Facebook and received no further communication from him. The product was not delivered, and I was unable to recover my funds. I have reported Kelvin Brooks on Facebook Marketplace as a *****ulent seller. I immediately reported it to the Police (Case No: CAS 212/8/2024) and the Standard Bank ***** Department. After two weeks, I phoned Standard Bank to follow up on the progress. They were still awaiting feedback from FNB. After a few days, I received the following outcome from Standard Bank:
"We have concluded the investigation and confirm that the bank attended to the matter by the prescribed policies and processes, and we could find no fault on the bank’s part. Our investigation has revealed that you processed a payment/s as reflected in the above list of transactions to acquire goods from a third-party vendor, and these goods were not received. The investigation has confirmed that this was a goods ****. When the ***** incident was reported on 23 August 2024, we immediately alerted the agent bank that received the payment, requesting that the account that received the payment be blocked and that any funds still available in the account be secured.
Unfortunately, the agent bank FNB has advised us that all the funds have been utilised. Therefore, no funds were recovered. After considering all the relevant factors and applying the principles of fairness, the bank has made its decision and regrettably will not be in a position to reimburse you for the losses suffered."
How can this be possible? Can FNB do nothing to this ********? Is this what FNB does to people who get ****med? Say sorry for your loss and simply move on. Appoling!