Banking just became a lot safer

24 March 2005 - Daily Sun

People who use banks will get better protection from now on. The Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS) had paid attention to the recent survey that said few people understand banking.

To put this right the OBS offers a free service and will act as a referee in any dispute between banks and account holders.
The OBS wants to let everyone know that their rights are protected. Complaints about ATMs make up a large part of the complaints that the Ombudsman investigates.

OBS spokesman Bruce Manual said: "The recent introduction of the Mzanzi bank card means that more people will use ATMs, so there will be complaints, especially from first-time users.

"Banks have worked hard on showing people how to get safe, trouble-free ATM service. Security is getting better all the time."

Banks have so far been in full support of the idea of the Ombudsman acting as referee.

Manual explained: "Comparing the Ombudsman's role to a sports referee neatly describes his job and it reminds banks of the importance of providing good service.

"The more that banks focus on providing exceptional service, the fewer complaints the OBS will have to handle," he said.