Millions of Brits with Natwest accounts are being urged to check their transaction history immediately. The warning comes after an error accidentaly put some people into their overdrafts when they shouldn't be.
Some accounts are showing a lower available balance than normal as a result, with some users complaining that the error has put them in their overdraft. A message on the NatWest app reads: “Some customer accounts are showing debit card purchases twice, and in certain cases their available balance will be lower than it should. We’re really sorry for any inconvenience.”
In a complaint to NatWest on Twitter, one person said: “I've had my transactions duplicated which has put me in overdraft and I will have fees if I don't supposedly sort it by 3pm today. I didn't make any same payment twice?”
Another tweeted: “I am in an overdraft yet I have not spent this money, please could I have assistance.” A third said: “Just received a message from you saying that I have gone into my arranged overdraft and may incur charges for using my overdraft. Pay in cleared funds to minimise charges. Err, what in earth is going on please?”
According to the Mirror, a fourth person complained: “You’ve double charged me.” NatWest has responded to customers to say that it is aware of the technical issues.
In a reply to one person, the bank said: "Please don't worry as charges caused by the duplicated payments won't be applied."
A spokesperson from NatWest said: “We are aware that some NatWest customers’ accounts are showing some Visa debit card purchases twice, and in certain cases their available balance will be lower than it should.
“We are working to fix the problem, and will ensure that no customer is left out of pocket.
“Our customers can be assured that payments to retailers/merchants have only been made once, so there is no need to contact them. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.”
