Republic Bank needs to make urgent changes to arrangements for online transactions

Dear Editor,

I am a customer of Republic Bank and for some reason I cannot understand why all of my online transactions were frozen. Time was wasted in the Diamond Branch, only to be told by the supervisors that I need to go home and make a call to an unlisted ‘’Republic Bank’’ telephone number thereafter supplying all of my personal information (including my bank card number) then and only then will the necessary authorization be given for me to continue online transactions.

Please note the number Republic Bank is requesting me to call 227 4725, is not listed on their official website or any of their brochures .

Why was my personal information not verified in person and the necessary paperwork done when I visited the bank to update my card three days ago? Furthermore, after supplying all of this personal information to the phone number, the waiting time is unknown/indefinite to customers. Should the authorization be approved it is then only granted for 24 hours. What utter nonsense and unprofessionalism! Whose idea is it to use such a system that puts customers at the risk of being scammed when our phone company to date is warning us of the prevalence of phone scammers. This system only serves in the best interest of Republic Bank and leaves the customer fully exposed to all forms of unscrupulous scammers.

Additionally, the representatives of Republic Bank were unable to provide any definite information on when a more effective system will be implemented. As it remains, you either take the risk of providing all of your personal information over a phone call or suspend all of your online transactions which puts a hold on payments of invoices, subscriptions, bills etc.

Republic Bank, this sort of behaviour is disrespectful and unacceptable to customers in the 21st century. Please revisit this system and ensure customers’ interests are safe guarded.

Yours faithfully, (Name and address supplied)