Post Office “sorry” over technical glitch
Post Office Ltd has apologised after a computer problem left customers with only limited access to their accounts in the UK. Yesterday morning (Wednesday), an error with the company’s PIN pad system affected transactions involving Card Accounts, as well as debit and credit card services.
The technical problem was fixed by 3.30pm, a Post Office spokesperson confirmed. All of the Post Office’s 11,820 branches remained open, despite the error.
The company said that “special arrangements” were put in place that ensured emergency cash payments were available to benefit claimants and pensioners who use a Post Office Card Account.
“Around 1,000 of these emergency payments were made to Post Office Card Account customers who came into Post Office branches to withdraw cash while this service was unavailable. Wednesday is the quietest day of the week for benefit payments in Post Office branches,” a spokesperson said.
Speaking on Wednesday evening, Martin Moran, Post Office commercial director, said: “We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by a problem with the PIN pad system in our branches. Normal service was restored this afternoon, including for the Post Office Card Account, and credit and debit card cash withdrawals.”
Commenting on the error, Andy Burrows, head of Post Offices & Essential Community Services at Consumer Focus, said: “It would be extremely worrying if the Post Office’s computer problems leave vulnerable consumers, especially the many older people who rely on these accounts, unable to access their benefits or pensions. Four million people use Post Office Card Accounts, so this issue could cause concern for many people.”
