NCB freezes 300 accounts amid Uber transactions probe
Published:Wednesday | October 30, 2024 | 5:23 PM
National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) says it has temporarily frozen approximately 300 accounts due to "unusually" high volumes and types of transactions for Uber transport services.
It has also confirmed that there is a "technical issue" affecting Uber transactions on Visa debit cards. Uber is a ride-hailing application.
The issue, which led to some transactions not being charged to customers' accounts "leading to unpaid balances and in some cases potential fraudulent activity/scams," the bank said Wednesday.
The statement follows complaints on social media from some NCB customers about large deductions from the accounts at once.
NCB says the issue has affected over 8,000 accounts - representing one per cent of its Visa debit customers - since May 2024.
"During our review, we detected unusual activity patterns, including instances where some customers completed an exceptionally high number of Uber transactions—some exceeding 700 rides within a single month—indicating possible misuse or exploitation of the issue," it said.
NCB says it has communicated with Visa debit customers regarding the funds owed and which will be processed for Uber transactions made.
It says suspicious accounts have been blocked pending further review, and liens have been placed on accounts with insufficient funds until balances are settled.
Impacted customers are encouraged to contact NCB's Customer Care Centre for assistance.
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