BPI: data errors rectified; ATMs back online

Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands said bank account discrepancies arising from a technical glitch have been rectified as of 10 pm on Wednesday.

The bank also announced that its automated teller machines (ATMs) have gone back to online mode.

However, other online banking platforms such as web-based and mobile channels were still unavailable at this time, bank clients said.

“We would like to announce that the internal systems error related to transaction mis-postings has been resolved. Access to ATMs has also been restored,” BPI said in its statement as of 10pm on Wednesday.

“Please accept our gratitude for your patience, and our apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced,” the bank said.

The data errors have affected a “small portion” of BPI and BPI Family Bank’s client base of over eight million, spokesperson Cathy Santamaria said earlier on Wednesday.

The account discrepancies have been attributed to internal data error while the bank refuted hacking or scam speculations.

A spokesperson said BPI Express Online and the mobile app would be accessible “within the hour.”

Clients with queries are advised to contact the bank through [email protected].

Complaints about the data error – which turned some people into instant billionaires while causing unauthorized debit transactions in others’ accounts – exploded in social media early Wednesday.
BPI then suspended all electronic banking channels.