BPI trends after customers flood social media with complaints of 'duplicate debits'

If you've scrolled through the trending topics on Twitter this morning, chances are you might've seen the phrase "0431 debit memo" included in the list. This was caused by clients of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) after they flooded the online platform with complaints following unauthorized transactions on their accounts.

The Ayala-led bank has gotten many of its clients worried about their savings when they were notified about "duplicate" debits posted on their accounts as well as having difficulty accessing BPI's online bank app.

According to a Facebook post by an anxious client, she reportedly experienced a "double deduction transaction" from the 0431 Debit Memo that resulted in her losing almost P4,000, while her friend lost P17,000. She further detailed that some of her colleagues have also had money in their accounts reduced.

What the hell is 0431 Debit Memo, @TalktoBPI?

I am unable to access my accounts via the bank’s app. pic.twitter.com/eq5CZgmMR1

— 🌸 Rainbow Fighter (@_rainbowfighter) January 4, 2023

However, some users weren't too worried about the problem and said that it was merely a "system glitch."

"I've experienced the 0431 Debit Memo glitch at least five times since being a BPI account holder for the past ten years. It's a system glitch and it's usually reversed within the day. Your funds are there, don't worry too much," one user on Twitter posted.

"Yes, matagal na siyang problem and dapat inayos na nila yan. Not saying it's okay na hanggang ngayon nangyayari pa rin siya. Obviously it's a hassle and a cause of concern. Just assuring people who think their funds were stolen that it's not the case per experience," they added.

Another user, meanwhile, advised others to always request a receipt whenever they transact from an ATM unit and keep it for concrete evidence in case of situations where there has been an unauthorized deduction on their accounts.

In an update on their official Facebook account, BPI stated that they have gotten wind of the complaints and assured clients that they are working to fix the issue within the day.

"Following the double posting of ATM, CAM deposits, POS, and e-commerce debit transactions from Dec. 30 to 31, 2022, please be informed that we expect correction of the duplicate transactions within the day," BPI stated.

While they warned customers that they may experience irregular access to their web and mobile app platforms because of the high volume of inquiries, BPI stressed that their accounts are still "safe and secure."