Have you experienced any issues while transferring or making payments from your personal or business account with First National Bank (FNB) in South Africa, specifically encountering error code 217?
Sorry! You cannot transact from this card/account as it is inactive or there are insufficient funds available in this account.
Error code: 217. Ref: VODxxxxxxxx
In this article, we will be discussing the meaning of error code 217. It is important to note that this error code may have different causes, but in our specific case, we were informed that the account has been blocked.
During the weekend, I encountered some account error problems and tried reaching out to the bank for help. However, my attempts were unsuccessful. As a result, I contacted a friend who works at the bank for assistance. They recommended using the bank app as an alternative solution. Despite trying different versions, I still encountered the same error message.
Via Bank app We got the below error.
This transaction is not permitted on one of the specified accounts for queries call 087 575 0362.
Via online Banking We got this
Sorry! You cannot transact from this card/account as it is inactive or there are insufficient funds available in this account.
Error code: 217. Ref: VODxxxxxxxx
Despite trying to find a solution online, I couldn’t find any helpful information. So, I decided to write this article to assist others who may be in a similar situation.
On Monday morning, I called the bank and was informed that my account had been frozen due to a fraud report from an impatient customer. The issue persisted and on Tuesday morning, I called the bank again. This time, I was told that my account had been blocked and frozen due to fraudulent deposits. I was transferred to the fraud consultant team leader, but after waiting on hold for about 3-4 hours and being passed around to different support teams, I still couldn’t get through. Frustrated, I hung up and decided to try again the next day.
I was surprised to receive a call from the team leader the next day, requesting that I provide an invoice, receipts, or proof of transactions to resolve an issue. I promptly contacted the client who had made the payment, but he denied any wrongdoing. I was quite upset about the situation, especially since the bank had not provided a solution and the previous funds remained on hold to this day.
I received below email from the bank alleging that my business was involved in a phishing scam. However, this cannot be true as all payments were processed through SID payment processor Ozow. It is important to note that the gateway processor would never allow any phishing websites to be associated with their company.
Furthermore, my case’s team leader lacks knowledge about the origin of the funds. Despite my explanation that the funds were electronic funds transfers (EFTs) through direct deposit, she insisted that they were untraceable. However, the payments were clearly labeled with the reference “Ozow849849490” and included the name and several digits of the payment source, which was SID Ozow.
Also read: What is FNB Error Code: 99999
Our banking information was only accessible to the gateway processor and not visible to customers. However, despite receiving no complaints, the payment processor notified us of possible issues. This raises the question of why the bank would take action based solely on unsolicited tips through email from unknown sources. It would make more sense for customers to report any concerns to their own bank, who could then contact our bank or the relevant financial authorities or law enforcement agencies, rather than sending emails directly to our bank. Perhaps this could be a more effective approach.
The account was frozen on 30th of August and this is 30th November without any solution and the bank still charges account fees, services and other unnecessary charges till date with other monthly fees as usual. I am being charged as if we were transacting. The bank has access to make charges and we don’t have access to withdraw any of our funds.
I do understand when a report is made or receiving money from a stolen source may lead to freezing bank accounts for the duration of criminal investigation but there should be a way to protect account holders or business owners.
I have done all I could to mitigate this risk by checking that the buyer id matches the sender bank account name, so this is not our fault.
So if you had the same issue of error 217 quickly reach out to the bank immediately. You can use the below phone number.
FNB Customer Support
South Africa: 087 575 0362 or 0877 362 247
International: +27 875 75 0362.
Operating hours: 08:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday. Then Saturday (weekend) 08:00 – 13:00.
For a startup business It would be foolish to put all eggs in one basket. You need to get a financial adviser or an attorney who can help you manage your money because you’re risking everything.
You can use below method we have implemented to avoid such nuisance
How to Avoid Issues Like this?
- Conduct a kyc also known as fica.
- If you are not sure of the customer transactions then refer them to ESCROW company; your funds are safe with escrow.com create and make use of the escrowservices and avoid cases like this.
- Learn to accept electronic and crypto payments; You can use PayFast company to accept bitcoin, then use Ozow collect instant eft’s without exposing your banking details online.
Our golden advice: you have got to work with the fund sender and not only the bank as there might be a chance no reports were made in our case fund sender was a previous esteem customer. In the case you don’t have a relationship with the sender and goods were delivered, simply send a copy of the transactions to the bank for investigation and be very very patient. As FNB forensic investigating department will do anything to frustrate you.
I hope you find these helpful?
We have found ways of resolving these matters. They say experience it’s the best teacher but that is not true.
If you leave abroad or within the Country with issues with the bank and unable to operate your account simply try calling the bank and if this wont be resolved contact us.
Don’t forget you can buy and sell bitcoin, perfect money, tether and all digital currency at rand4dollar.com
Let us know in the comment section below if you had the same issue and how you resolved it.
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