***** case and complete indifference

On 15 November 2024, I received a call from someone claiming to be from Standard Bank, warning me that my debit card had been cloned and that unauthorized flight purchases were being made. They sounded genuinely concerned and advised me to create a “new beneficiary” in my own name and transfer my funds there so they could block and remove the ****mers. They knew my ID number, my phone number, everything, yet never asked for any PINs, making the call seem legitimate.

I had recently been to Standard Bank to question some unusually high bank charges, so I assumed this was a follow-up. They even mentioned that the call was being recorded “for security purposes.” Wanting to protect my money, I followed their instructions and transferred my entire balance. Shortly after, I received an SMS with a reference number for a temporary card, supposedly valid for three to five days until my funds would be returned to my main account.

The next morning, I went to the branch to collect the temporary card—only to discover that I had been ****med out of R120,000. That alone was devastating, but what’s been equally disheartening is the treatment I’ve received from Standard Bank since. They have done absolutely nothing to help. I’ve been left in financial distress, unable to meet critical expenses like medical aid and insurance, and forced to spend hours on the phone with their ***** Division, only to be bounced between departments with no resolution.

I followed all the steps, filed affidavits, reported everything to the police—only to then discover that my banking app was locked. When I tried to get a simple statement from an ATM to prove the funds were taken, my card was swallowed.

After decades of loyal banking with Standard Bank, I’m shocked by their lack of support, urgency, or empathy. Nearly two months later, my situation is still unresolved, and the stress and financial hardship they’ve caused are immeasurable.

Standard Bank customers, please be aware and stay vigilant. I wouldn’t wish this ordeal on anyone. The way Standard Bank has handled this has been beyond disappointing, they have failed to take responsibility, resolve my case, or provide meaningful assistance when I needed it most.