FNB sending "Computer generated" offensive SMSs to clients

On Sunday 12 June at 06h24, I received the following SMS message on my cell-phone from FNB-the message reads –

"FNB - Regrettably we have not received your credit card payment. Please make a payment of R***.xx or call zero eight seven seven three six seven eight four seven ***) for assistance."

The above message was received despite me having paid into my Credit Card account an amount exceeding the FNB Prescribed amount six-fold AND after receiving confirmation from FNB, via SMS on the same cell number on Saturday 04 June at 07:04 - the FNB message reads (note the smiley face!!!) -

“FNB:-) R******* paid to FNB card a/c AAAAAA @ I/bank Payment-thank Y. 3 Jun 23:49"

I am paid up and this can be confirmed by the next FNB SMS received 10 June at 10h00 on the same number that reads (and again note the smiley face):

"FNB:-) As at 09 Jun your Credit Card Acc..****** statement balance is R ***x and a minimum payment of Ryyy is due by 04 Jul.”

SO on 4 June FNB confirm receipt of payment; on 9 June FNB confirm my next payment and due date (4 July); and then on 10 June “FNB (no smiley face) “Regrettably we have not received your credit card payment….”

On Monday at 09h43 I phone the prescribed number (zero eight seven seven three six seven eight four seven). I was answered by a polite lady who asks for my ID number confirming that my Credit Card account is “Open” and not in arrears. She adds “The SMS is unfortunate” and, wait for it, “computer generated”!!!!

She also informs me that I have come through to the wrong department and that I should phone in again. Wrong department having dialled the number FNB provided – are they kidding with me!!!!!

Waste my time by going through the FNB process again – no thanks. Share my experience on ‘hellopeter’ will prove far more fruitful.

An apology from FNB Credit Card – I doubt it despite this card being originally issued in 1977 i.e. ~45 years as a client!