Safety and security centre

If your card is lost or stolen or if the PIN is disclosed to a third person, please notify us immediately.

Customer Care Line: 0861 102 205 | +27 11 634 4300

customercaresa@accessbankplc.com

Debit orders are one of the most effective methods that can be used to get installment payments secured to a certain degree. Unfortunately debit order abuse in South Africa has become a major concern, with many consumers becoming victim to debit order scams. Because of the rise in fraudulent activity on debit orders, the National Payments Systems (NPS) and the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA), have introduced a new initiative called Debi-Check, to help protect South Africans against fraudulent and incorrect debit order authorisations.

DebiCheck will replace certain debit order payment streams, including AEDO (Authenticated Early Debit Order) and NAEDO (Non-Authenticated Early Debit Order) and is an industry wide initiative that allows you the consumer to approve all new debit orders once-off electronically to prevent incorrect or unauthorized debit orders from coming off your account. This means that, debtor bank’s will now know the details of what they have agreed to and will not allow debit orders to be processed outside these terms that the debtor has confirmed with them. DebiCheck gives you, the consumer, full control.

DebiCheck is scheduled to be officially in place by October of 2019, currently most companies and banks are in production how well this system works. The process of implementing DebiCheck to all companies and service providers will be a gradual one, therefore, not all new debit orders will be affected at the same time. There is also a “sunset” date (when AEDO and NAEDO payments come to an end) – which is now 31 October 2020. DebiCheck will not replace existing debit orders.

DebiCheck can be authorised using the following channels: (you will note that these channels also accommodate for consumers who may not be technologically inclined)

  1. Cellphone Banking (USSD capability)
  2. Online Banking
  3. In-branch Banking
  4. Banking Apps
  5. ATM’s
  6. Merchant POS Devices

The process of authenticating a DebiCheck debit order consists of 4 steps:

  1. Identification of the creditor/business by the collecting/sponsoring bank;
  2. Verification of the payer/debtor/account holder by his/her paying bank; and
  3. Validation of the payer/debtor/account holder’s account by his/her paying bank and if all is in order then:
  4. Authorisation of the mandate by the payer/debtor/account holder through authentication/confirmation channels.

For more information on DebiCheck please contact us on 0861 102 205.

Whistleblowing & Fraud

Access Bank South Africa is committed to the highest standards of ethical, moral and legal business conduct.  Ethical business behavior is the responsibility of every person in the company and is reflected not only in our relationships with each other but also with our Alliance partners, customers, suppliers, shareholders, and other stakeholders.

Any person who has a reasonable belief that any of the following acts have been, or is likely to be committed, may make a report:

  • Conduct which is an offence or a breach of law (criminal offence);
  • The unauthorized use or abuse of company resources;
  • Possible fraud and corruption;
  • Sexual or physical abuse or harassment;
  • Other unethical conduct including Nepotism
  • Abuse of power, or use of company powers and authority for any unauthorized use or personal gain;
  • Deliberate breach of company policies and/or procedures.

Fraud & Ethics Hotline

If you would like to speak to someone in the Forensics department regarding any other financial crime or fraud related matters, please contact us at:

Access Bank South Africa Forensics: (011) 634 – 4388  (office hours only)

fraudpreventionsa@accessbankplc.com

  • For ethics related matters, the same contact details can be used.

Whistleblowing Guidelines

Users of the Access Bank South Africa Tip-off Line must act in good faith and must not make false accusations when reporting any concerns.

Concerns may be raised verbally or in writing.  Persons who wish to make a written report are invited to use the following format:

  • The background and history of the concern (giving relevant dates and times);
  • The extent to which you have personally witnessed or experienced the problem (provide evidence, or information regarding where evidence can be obtained where possible).

Users of the Access Bank South Africa Tip-off Line can report their disclosures using any one of the following mediums of communications:

Tip-Off Hotline

  1. Use of a dedicated FreeCall number which is 0800 22 44 63
  2. Use of one unique e-mail address which are accessbank@tip-offs.com and fraudpreventionsa@accessbankplc.com
  3. FreePost address:  KZN 138, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320
  4. FreeFacsimile:  0800 00 77 88
  5. Access to the Deloitte Tip-offs Anonymous website which is www.tip-offs.com

Here are a simple set of guidelines to assist you in managing your accounts and to protect you from criminal and fraudulent activity. As always, the most important thing you can do is  – practice vigilance. Should you become aware of or fall victim to possible fraud, contact us on 0861 102 205 or email us at fraudpreventionsa@accessbankplc.com.

ATM & Card Safety

Trapping your card in the ATM slot is one of the means used by criminals to distract you. They are known to use your frustration to build a relationship of trust with you, and thereafter trick you into giving away your PIN and bank card. Once they have your PIN and card, they are free to withdraw money from your account.

Your bank card and PIN are your personal keys to secure banking. Criminals are aware of this and use various tricks to steal them in order to access your money. Often they look over your shoulder when you are busy at the ATM and steal your PIN and then come up with ways of getting hold of your card to skim it. In that way, they will have both your card and PIN and are free to steal money from your account

  • Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) must remain a secret, preferably memorised, or else kept completely separate from your card.
  • While a card is issued with a random PIN, customers can change this to any number at any time at an Access Bank business suite or branch.
  • Your PIN should be easy for you to remember but difficult for anyone else to guess.
  • The rule is simple: don’t ever give your PIN to anyone, not even to a bank official. A bank official will never ask you to reveal your pin.
  • Shield the ATM or in-store keypad as you punch your PIN into the machine to prevent criminals from peering over your shoulder and keep your hand over the card slot so that no one can swap your card.
  • Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen and do not use an ATM that is obscured from view or poorly lit.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
  • Avoid drawing cash late or when you are alone.
  • Do not force your card into the card slot.
  • Leave the ATM immediately if you don’t feel safe.
  • Set your daily ATM withdrawal limit at your nearest business suite.
  • Be in the company of someone you trust when making large cash withdrawals.
  • Think of using the ATM to make transfers instead of drawing large amounts of cash.
  • Never let anyone stand too close to you when using the ATM.
  • Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using an ATM.
  • Never hurry when using an ATM. Make sure you are not distracted, intimidated or rushed into your transaction and never openly count the cash you withdraw.
  • Never accept help from strangers when using the ATM. You should be aware that criminals work in teams – one to distract you while the other steals your card.
  • If your card is retained (swallowed) by the ATM, phone the toll free number displayed at the ATM to stop your card. Follow the same process if you lose your card and do not leave the ATM until the bank confirms that your card has been cancelled.
  • Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf – they may trick you into believing that they have phoned to place a stop on your card; and do not use someone else’s phone.
  • Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore cannot help you with your transaction – if you need help, ask a bank official.

Internet/Online Safety

  • Never save your password on your desktop as it may allow others to access your personal information without your permission.
  • Do not make your passwords too personal – rather create passwords that have letters and numbers that cannot be attributed to you.
  • Never provide your internet ID or password/PIN to anyone; never write them down or share them, not even with a bank official.
  • Never provide your internet ID or password/PIN to any site that you do not recognise and fully trust.
  • Only provide your internet ID or password/PIN when your browser shows a secure connection directly to the Bank.
  • Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your internet banking password.
  • Always log off or sign off at the end of a session.
  • For your security you only have three attempts to enter your PIN/password correctly before you are denied access to our services. If this occurs, you will need to go to the nearest business suite to reset these passwords/PIN.
  • Do not open email from unknown sources.
  • Beware of emails that ask for passwords, PINS, credit and debit card information.
  • Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafes as you do not know what software is loaded and this may compromise your transactions.
  • Make sure no one has unauthorised access to your PC or laptop.
  • Be especially aware that there are no security cameras trained on your PC and keyboard.
  • Ensure that you have the latest anti-virus software applications loaded on your PC or laptop.
  • Make sure the software on your PC or laptop is correctly licensed.
  • Update your operating system and browser with the latest patches.
  • Install a personal firewall on your PC or laptop if you use a dial-up modem
  • Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies.
  • To ensure that you are using a secure shopping site, look for the lock and key and the security certificate online.
  • Beware of internet fraud e.g. “Phishing”. This is most commonly done through email and a fake website, claiming to be from a bank or other institution and asking you to confirm your personal details. Fraudsters use various ways of enticing you to confirm your personal information.

Cash Safety

Criminals are known to identify banking clients that have made cash withdrawals from ATMs. These customers are then followed and robbed of their cash. Make sure that you don’t set a pattern of large withdrawals on a regular date or at a regular site. Remain vigilant at all times. Ultimately, cash withdrawals are always a risk and there are many solutions that are safer than large cash withdrawals and we would strongly encourage you to discuss these with your Relationship Manager.

Should you have a problem with anything at Access Bank, please contact your Relationship Manager directly for assistance. In addition, each of our business suites has a Customer Support team who can also provide assistance in resolving any complaints.

If these direct points of contact are not able to resolve your complaint, please contact our Customer Care Centre at our Head Office on 0861 102 205 or email us at customercaresa@accessbankplc.com.

Complaints Management Process:

  • We will immediately acknowledge and log your complaint in our complaints processing system and provide you with a reference number.
  • We will provide you with feedback on the status of your complaint(s) within 24 hours from logging and daily thereafter until it is satisfactorily resolved.
  • We will investigate your complaint thoroughly.
  • We will treat your complaint in a confidential manner.
  • We will provide you with written feedback once we have completed a full investigation on the matter.

The Ombudsman for Banking Services

If we are unable to resolve a complaint in a satisfactory manner, you can approach the Ombudsman for Banking Services for further assistance. Should you wish to make use of this service, we will gladly assist you by providing all the relevant details of the complaint to you.

Contact Details

The Ombudsman for Banking Services 

Physical Location:
34 & 36 Fricker Road, Ground Floor,
34 Fricker Road, Illovo,
Johannesburg, 2196

Postal Address:
P.O. Box 87056, Houghton. 2041.

Telephone Number: +27 11 712 1800

Share call: +27 860 800 900

Fax Number: +27 11 483 3212

Website: www.obssa.co.za

E-mail: info@obssa.co.za

Financial Advice and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Ombudsman (in respect of investment and deposit related matters)

Physical Location: Sussex Office Park
Ground Floor, Block B, 473 Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 0081
Postal Address: P.O. Box 74571
Lynwood Ridge
0040

Telephone Number: +27 12 470 9080 / +27 12 762 5000
Share call: +27 860 324 766
Fax Number: +27 12 348 3447
Website: www.faisombud.co.za
E-mail: info@faisombud.co.za

Credit Information Ombudsman

Postnet Suite #444
Private Bag 1
Jukskei Park
2153

Telephone Number: +27 861 662837 or +27 860 800 900
Fax Number: +27 86 678 9147
E-mail Address: ombud@creditombud.org.za
Website: www.creditombud.org.za