Barclays bank customers have raised the alarm about their accounts being ‘shut down,’ and the bank apologized and promised to investigate.
However, the bank has faced scrutiny as numerous customers’ accounts have been frozen without prior notice. They are promoting widespread frustration and concern among account holders.
Many Barclays customers have taken to social and online forums to share their horrible experiences of having their accounts frozen.
One customer said, “Take your money out before it’s too late.” After the issue arose and another was added, ‘All accounts are frozen”.
One customer said, ” @BarclaysUK ARE CLOSING DOWN CURRENT ACCOUNT. This was done to me today merely because I purchased crypto.
I called the number, passed two security checks, and confirmed all transactions. Take your money out before it’s too late!!!”
Another account holder said, “Paid 35 euros into Barclays (bank transfer) as I had to buy something the next day. Did payment; all accounts were frozen. Payment not made. Had to go to the bank and explain who, why, where, etc.”
A customer added, “The same thing happened to me. I used Barclays to buy crypto quite frequently. Now suddenly I can’t make any payments. I was told my account is under review, and it will take 10 days. The first thing I will do after 10 days is close my account. Disappointing!”
Bank’s Response
In response to the growing complaints, the bank explained that accounts may be frozen as part of standard procedures when suspicious activity is detected or when compliance with financial regulations is necessary.
However, in response to the first person with a problem, Barclays said, “I’m really sorry to hear this has happened. Thanks for providing the screenshot. After speaking with the team, are you still receiving that error code while you are trying to log in to your app?
Are you able to now access your account? 1/2 If you could, please pop over to DM with your full name, post, and contact number. We can take a further look for you. I’ve left the link to speak in DM below.”
The bank emphasizes that if anyone has a call from the bank, they will never ask the person for passcodes, passwords, PINs, card details, PINsentry codes, or sensitive account information.
They added, “If we send you a text message, we will only ask you to reply with a “Y’ or an “N”.
If you get a call, voicemail, or text from someone claiming to be from our fraud team and you think it’s suspicious, call us back using the number on the back of your card.
Always make sure the line is clear first to ensure the fraudster isn’t still on the line.”
Barclays also reassured affected customers that any fees incurred during the investigation would be refunded once the matter was resolved, provided no wrongdoing was found on their part.
The bank encouraged customers facing issues to file complaints directly so that they could be addressed more effectively.
