VakıfBank ATM Malfunction Withheld My ₺11,800 Deposit and Delayed Refund
Dear Sir, on November 6, 2024, around 12:30 pm, I attempted to deposit money at the VakıfBank ATM (code: 00448) located in the garden of Samsun İlkadım Municipality. Due to an ATM malfunction, 59 of my ₺200 notes (totaling ₺11,800) were withheld. I took the necessary steps by filing request number 8532572 with the bank, only to be informed that ATM-related issues are handled by a private company, and VakıfBank would be unable to intervene directly. I was told that my request would be reviewed within a maximum of 20 days after it was forwarded to the relevant unit. I needed this money to make a payment that same day, which I missed due to VakıfBank's technical error. This experience has been quite disappointing, especially given that I am a VakıfBank salary account holder and chose to use VakıfBank for this transaction. It is now November 12, 2024, and I have received neither an update nor a refund of my money.
My complaints are as follows: Firstly, despite the urgency of the situation, VakıfBank—my salary bank—has shown an unresponsive attitude, delaying my request even after I reported the urgency to their solution centers. This complaint could have been resolved much faster. Secondly, it seems unreasonable that my money could sit in the bank for 20 days without access, effectively allowing the bank to use my funds while I am paying interest elsewhere. This practice feels unfair, damaging, and potentially unlawful, causing harm both financially and personally. This same issue has occurred at other banks, and it continues to affect countless customers. I urge you to issue warnings to all banks, especially the VakıfBank General Directorate, or to initiate legal actions to prevent such grievances. My aim is not only to address my issue but to call attention to what feels like unjust gain practices by banks, particularly VakıfBank. Thank you for your attention.
