NB Frozen My Business Account Without Due Process – Unacceptable!

Item: FNB (First National Bank)
Rating: 1
Author: Phumela L

FNB has frozen my business account without warning or explanation, causing major disruption to my operations. It's been over a week, and I only received a response after filing a formal complaint. Initially, I was told one ***** case (***) was being investigated. Later, I found out there’s another case (***) assigned to a different investigator — yet no one contacted me to clarify or request documents until I escalated.

Even after submitting all the required documents (lease agreement, proof of payments, communication with my tenant), my account is still blocked. I’ve lost business, credibility with clients, and peace of mind — and FNB continues to treat the matter with zero urgency.

I will be taking legal action and escalating to the Banking Ombudsman and FSCA. This is completely unprofessional and unjust, especially for a long-standing customer. FNB, do better.

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Replies (1)

Phumela L's updateReviewer Update

09 Jul 2025, 12:09

I am deeply disappointed by the ongoing misconduct, negligence, and lack of urgency shown by FNB’s ***** investigators — John Volmink, Xolani Mavimbela, and Sithembiso Mhlambi.

My business account has been blocked for over a week without proper communication or investigation. After endless emails and calls, I only received a response after escalating through complaints channels. Even then, different investigators were linked to different case numbers without informing me, and no one is taking responsibility or providing clear steps.

This is the second time this is happening — in December 2024, Sithembiso Mhlambi also blocked my account with no proper process. John Volmink still hasn’t contacted me regarding the case I was told he was assigned to, and Xolani Mavimbela only responded after I complained publicly.

FNB’s ***** division is disorganised, unaccountable, and damaging to small businesses. I’ve provided every document requested, yet my account remains frozen, and my business operations are suffering. This is completely unacceptable.

I do not recommend FNB to any small or black-owned business — the system lacks transparency and empathy. I will be escalating this to the Ombudsman and FSCA, and moving my funds to a more competent institution. Enough is enough.

Phumela L's update09 Jul 2025, 12:09

Reviewer Update

I am deeply disappointed by the ongoing misconduct, negligence, and lack of urgency shown by FNB’s ***** investigators — John Volmink, Xolani Mavimbela, and Sithembiso Mhlambi.