Barclays Bank IT Problems Cause Chaos for Customers
Barclays bank is currently facing severe IT problems that are disrupting its app, online banking, and payments in and out of accounts, leaving customers in a state of panic and frustration.
Customer Frustration Mounts
- Customers are reporting difficulties in making essential transactions, ranging from purchasing baby milk to completing a house move.
- Some customers dispute Barclays’ claim that cards and cash machines are unaffected, with reports of declined cards and missing wages.
The Impact on Customers
One family shared their ordeal of being unable to move into their new home due to the outage, describing the situation as “ridiculous”. The delay in funds transfer has left them stranded and homeless.
Ruth, a self-employed cleaner, expressed her struggle in accessing funds for buying necessities for her family, including a baby and five other children under her care. The outage has left many vulnerable individuals in a precarious situation.
Barclays’ Response and Customer Anguish
Barclays, a prominent UK bank with millions of retail customers, has issued an apology for the IT issues and assured customers of efforts to rectify the problem. However, many customers remain frustrated and distressed by the ongoing disruptions.
Tax Return Anxiety Looms
With the self-assessment tax return deadline approaching, customers are worried about the outage affecting their ability to make payments to HMRC. The potential consequences of missing the deadline add to the stress faced by individuals relying on Barclays’ services.
Assurance from HMRC
HMRC has acknowledged the situation and reassured customers that they will not face penalties for late payment due to the Barclays outage. Collaborative efforts are underway to minimize the impact on individuals filing their tax returns.
Recurring Banking System Failures
This incident adds to a series of recent banking app outages, including the notable case of PayPal’s global disruption impacting various services. UK banks have also faced challenges with payment systems, highlighting the critical need for robust and secure digital infrastructure.
BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, emphasizes the significance of resilient computer systems in safeguarding against such disruptions, underscoring the integral role of cybersecurity in our interconnected world.
Additional reporting by Liv McMahon
Conclusion
The ongoing IT problems at Barclays bank have caused significant distress and inconvenience to customers, highlighting the vulnerability of digital systems in the financial sector. As technology continues to play a crucial role in banking services, ensuring the reliability and security of IT infrastructure is paramount.
FAQs
1. How many customers are affected by the Barclays IT problems?
Barclays has not disclosed the exact number of customers impacted by the IT problems, but reports suggest widespread disruptions among its user base.
2. What measures are in place to assist customers during the outage?
Barclays has apologized for the inconvenience and is actively working to resolve the IT issues. Customers are advised to use alternative payment methods like cards and cash machines until normal service resumes.