Thousands queue as ATMs mistakenly hand out free money across Ireland: Police sent to disperse customers exploiting IT glitch
Thousands queue as ATMs mistakenly hand out free money across Ireland: Police sent to disperse customers exploiting IT glitch
- Customers found they could access cash despite low balances
- Glitch allowed people with no money in their account to transfer up to $1,000
Bank of Ireland is facing a crisis after thousands of customers descended on ATMs last night to try and take advantage of a major IT outage.
The bank informed customers early yesterday afternoon that there was a problem with its online personal banking app and website after being inundated with complaints.
And by evening, customers had discovered that they could access cash from ATMs despite low balances. Gardaí was ordered to clear queues at ATMs as people lined up to take advantage of the outage.
Thousands of people lined up at some branches last night to withdraw money they didn’t have in their own account.
A source said: ‘After 5pm the news started to get through that this was happening and it spread like wildfire. There are people who do not have a current account credit and can withdraw an amount that they do not have.
“It’s like it’s free money, people say. Gardaí were told to disperse the queues tonight. These people who have withdrawn money are expected to pay it all back, but we are still at a very early stage.”
By evening, customers had discovered that they could access cash from ATMs despite low balances
Thousands of people lined up outside some branches last night to withdraw money they didn’t have in their own accounts
Huge queues surrounded ATMs as people flocked to take advantage of the bank outage
In some cases, the flaw with the online app allowed people who had no money in their account to transfer up to €1,000 to a Revolut account.
They can then withdraw the money from the Revolut account via any ATM.
As news and videos quickly spread on social media, the frenzied cash withdrawal continued in Dublin, Limerick and Navan, Co., among others. the money will have to be paid back.
In a statement after 11pm last night, Bank of Ireland warned customers that any money withdrawn from their account will be debited.
“We would like to remind customers that when you transfer/withdraw money – even outside normal limits – this money will be taken from their account. We are aware that customers may not be able to check balances, but they should not withdraw/transfer money if they are overdrawn.’
As word and videos quickly spread on social media, the frenzied cash withdrawal continued in Dublin, Limerick and Navan, Co., among others. Meath, until the gardaí held
Gardaí was ordered to clear the queues at ATMs and stand guard at night
Garda and guards were ordered to protect ATMs and clear crowds
Yesterday, Bank of Ireland apologized to customers after it said it was hit by an unexpected disruption to its mobile app and online services.
Customers were unable to access the bank’s mobile app and Banking365’s online services for hours, including many Irish customers abroad. When opening the app, users are informed that they cannot connect while the website is also unavailable.
Customers reported being unable to access their accounts for hours and unable to transfer money for “important payments”.
The issue prompted an initial statement from the Bank of Ireland, which said it was working to resolve the issue as soon as possible and apologized for any inconvenience caused.
The bank was inundated with questions from customers on social media.
At 10 p.m. last night, the bank said it had no estimated time for when its mobile app and web service 365Online will be restored.