Several PNC Bank customers in Pennsylvania received an unusual message in their bank statements over the weekend, indicating an unexpected charge on their accounts.
ButlerRadio's news colleagues at WPXI report that bank authorities have attributed this to a processing error.
Unusual Message in Bank: "Pending Debit"
Tom Rubritz, one of PNC Bank's clients, expressed concern to Channel 11 after spotting an unusual entry in his mobile banking statement via the PNC app in the morning.
While monitoring his account for his wife's shopping expenses, Rubritz noticed a mysterious withdrawal of $11 listed as a "pending debit."
This incident is not isolated; several individuals contacted Channel 11 within 24 hours to report similar unexplained charges on their accounts.
Meanwhile, PNC Bank has assured customers who notice the unexpected fee in their statements that no action is required on their part, as these charges will be promptly refunded.
However, contacting a PNC Bank representative for additional support is advisable if the charge remains unresolved.
The odd charge mishap at PNC Bank over the weekend occurred after the bank made some significant modifications.
The U.S. Sun previously reported that a PNC Bank branch in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, about 66 miles west of Philadelphia, permanently ceased operations earlier this month. The closure took place on November 17.
Despite this, customers in the area can still conduct in-person banking at nearby facilities. A PNC ATM for cash deposits and withdrawals is directly opposite the now-shuttered branch.
The financial institution has moved all services and assets from the closed Strasburg branch to its nearest operational location. This closure follows the shutting down of 29 PNC Bank branches in August. Earlier in March, filings indicated plans to close 47 more branches, as reported by Best Life. Additionally, the bank has closed 11 branches in Virginia and seven in Texas.
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Advise from the CFBP
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), acting swiftly on unusual credit card charges or bank statements is generally advisable.
Regular monitoring for any irregular or fraudulent transactions is crucial. Upon detection, customers should promptly contact their card servicer for debit or credit card issues, followed by the relevant financial institution.
If a bank fails to respond promptly and investigate the matter, customers may find it advantageous to lodge a formal complaint with the CFPB.
Furthermore, CFPB noted that customers should be aware of potential scams, commonly known as "phishing," where fraudsters may attempt to acquire client's account information by contacting them via phone or email to "verify" their details.
The Bureau said that it is vital to remember that banks and credit unions do not request account information through unsolicited communications. If patrons encounter this approach, they should contact their card provider through a customer service number obtained from a reliable source, not the one provided in the suspicious call or email, to report the incident.
Meanwhile, when banks or card providers detect unauthorized debits or charges, immediate action is essential. The card should be canceled and replaced with fraudulent charges to prevent further transactions. Additionally, it's prudent to change the PIN, even if there's no clear evidence of its compromise.
CFPB also said that holders of intact credit cards are not responsible for unauthorized transactions. Therefore, prompt reporting of fraudulent debit card charges is crucial to ensure protection from liability.
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