Declined transaction,Nedbank st*le the money anywa

Nedbank call centre ref no.:***9<br> Swiped debit card at shop, slip said declined. Swiped again, decline again. Forced to go withdraw cash and pay. Later, get 2 sms'es from Nedbank saying the both amounts are reserved for the merchant concerned. Check bank statement, both amounts deducted. Went back to merchant the following day, they followed up with their bank (Standard), who confirms they did not recieve the money nor do they have it on hold. <br> Been waiting on Nedbank for feedback, but when I called today, found out the case has been closed. The money has not been reversed, the merchant did not receive it, Standard bank never received it. I have several accounts with Nedbank, this was one of my son's accounts, and I am terrified of swipping my card, as Nedbank just deducts the money and does not pay it over...I am trying to decide whether to go to the ombudsman or to the SAPS, this is th%ft!!! I wonder how many people they pull this trick on. To customers, be careful when your machine says declined, and to merchants, do not be quick to refund customers that bring bank statement sayng money was paid, Nedbank *****s the money from customers and never pays the money to merchants.