SIR: I paid some bills through POS with my Diamond Bank card on March 2, only to be debited twice. I have called, mailed and gone to their branch in Wuse2 Abuja since. Although they promised to refund, I am yet to get the money.
If they can do this to me, just imagine how many Nigerians who are not even literate with similar complaints endure on daily basis.
I plead with Diamond Bank PLC to refund the product of my sweat.
My GSM: 08079301310
Acc No: 0084718162
Opaluwa Omera,
Abuja.
Fraudsters have taken another turn in the game of defrauding innocent but unsuspecting Nigerians of their hard earned currencies by sending transaction messages and demanding a follow-up within 24Hours.
If you have an account with Guaranty Trust Bank (at least the ones concerned so far) this message is for you. Beyond GTB, this is pertinent to everyone who saves money or other valuables in the bank.
Recently, fraudsters have grown even smarter by using disguised email name like GeNs@gtbank.com, udirect@ubagroup.com, diamondbank@diamondbank.com to send initiated debit transaction from the victim’s account and further ask for other details.
Some customers of GTBank have fallen victim of this fraudulent message. In fact, other people who do not bank with GTB, like a colleague who got his message from mny@inetlab.net under the disguise of GeNs@gtbank.com, also received the message.
Concerned banks so far, include, Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank, GTBank, UBA and StanbicIBTC
Read the experience of an individual who fell victim below:
This happened to me OluwaDamilola Ayomi Olatunbosun (ayomiessentials) a few hours ago (now weeks). I got an email from GTB (my one and only bank) some hours ago that I was debited 14,500 for a bulletin I subscribed for, the email further read I should click a link to oblige and another link below to decline, I clicked on the link to decline cos the mail read it will be assumed that I agreed to the terms and conditions if I don’t respond to the mail in 12hrs…
I clicked on the link to decline the offer since I don’t want my 14,500 to be debited for some magazine I didn’t subscribe for (note that I got these same email last week and I got tried calling GTBank customer service that day, I gave up after wasting about 600naira worth of airtime, I felt the need to respond when if got the message today again)….
Lo and behold the link took me to my Internet banking page, it requested that I enter my log in details which I did…the page requested I answer my test question which I did 1st then entered my 6 digits token code which Is usually requested when doing online banking.
Almost immediately I filled the form, the page kept loading and I was hoping I’d see a page where I’ll click the Decline button or something then the worse thing happened…. I got an alert that all the money in my account has been debited. They left only the kobo for me this happened to me less than 2hrs ago.
I went to the nearest GTBank and I was told that my account was hacked.
The debit alert I got showed that I recharged with all the money in my account.
Lo and behold I was given the number that was recharged at the bank 08170003208 (I was told at the bank that I used my money to recharge that number thinking it’s mine, I wonder if wanted to call heaven or hell that I will recharge that much of money on recharge)All my money is gone and nothing can be done about it, I’m sharing these with you all so u won’t fall a victim.Please be careful.
Note that the mail came from opokonwa@gmail.com under the disguise of GeNs@gtbank.com
‘Dear Customer,
Thank you for succesfully SUBSCRIBING for the U-Direct monthly Bulletins.
We are processing to debit your account with the sum of 16,450 NGN as our monthly charge for the subscription as per our terms and conditions.
If you are not aware of this subscription and Wish to Cancel this, kindly follow our website below to unsubscribe.
Note: To Unsubscribe, A mobile code will be sent to your registered mobile number to Cancel After Security Validation
Things You Must Know
1. After 24hrs you cannot cancel subscription and Debit will be processed on your account.
2. If you have been successfully debited, you will receive your ticket number by mail after 24hrs.
However, the banks have not been silent on this issue as it continued to notify its customers of possible scams and how to avoid being defrauded. One of such is from GTBank saying:
Dear Customer,
Scam Alert
This is a reminder that you should never disclose your account or card details to anyone or enter your personal banking details on a website that is sent as a link in an SMS, Email, Online or any Social Media Platform. Exit any page immediately if you are asked to enter your account, card or internet login details.
GTBank, its staff or agents will never call or send you an email asking for your account details, PIN, Card or other Personal Bank details in exchange for monetary or material reward.
You can help us stop these types of scams by following any of the simple steps below:
- Fake Online Flyers: take a screenshot that clearly shows the link (website address) and send it to us by email at complaints@gtbank.com so that we can work to block the site.
- Scam Calls, SMS, and Emails: Report the phone number to GTConnect (see numbers below) and forward such emails to complaints@gtbank.com
Thank you for choosing Guaranty Trust Bank plc.
Diamond Bank Plc yesterday released its audited report and accounts for the 2016 business year with an assurance that the fundamentals of the bank remain strong despite the tough macroeconomic environment.
Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc, Uzoma Dozie, who spoke against the release of the 2016 results yesterday, said the fundamentals of the bank remain very strong as it continues to generate operating profits that are comparable to any of its peers, as evidenced by the 2016 financial results.
He however noted that impairments in the bank’s loan portfolio have continued to impact financial performance, assuring that mitigating the impact of impairments and improving the quality of loans underwritten remain priorities for the bank in 2017.
He assured that the regulatory capital of the bank remains strong while the liquidity of the bank also remains high and is well above the guidance ratio stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“Looking to the year ahead, we believe the macro conditions and other external factors will remain challenging. However, by pursuing our technology-led retail strategy and with our focus on innovation and scalability, the bank is well-placed to benefit in the medium to long-term from the favourable fundamentals in Nigeria, namely a large population, many of which remain unbanked.
This strategy stands to benefit all stakeholders, including our shareholders and customers in the long run,” Dozie said.
Key extracts of the audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2016 showed that gross earnings declined from N217.09 billion in 2015 to N212.41 billion in 2016. Profit before tax also dropped from N7.09 billion to N5.03 billion while profit after tax declined from N5.66 billion in 2015 to N3.50 billion in 2016.
The report showed that the bank posted 53 per cent growth in total comprehensive income to N12.1 billion with non-interest income surging by 6.9 per cent to N53.9 billion, ostensibly stimulated by transactional fees.
Although the ripple effect of the tough operating business environment impacted negatively on corporate performance, Diamond Bank demonstrated its ability to maintain appreciable growth as revenue from non-interest income, especially its mobile banking increased from N0.41 billion in 2015 to N2.6 billion in 2016.
This accounted for 19.2 per cent of N13.4 billion ADC revenue in 2016 with Diamond Mobile Apps usage surging from 6.8 million to 11.0 million, while transaction volume increased from N6.9 billion to N11.5 billion. The bank’s retail customer count currently stands at more than 13 million.
Dozie said the bank’s stable growth and continued success in spite of the harsh economic headwinds, is hinged on implementing retail and digital-led strategies that are primed to promote sustainable growth and profitability in the long term.
According to him, the restructuring of bank’s operating model was a key development completed last year with the emerging model improving customer engagement, value chain approach to business and efficiencies across the bank.
He noted that these measures have helped to improve Diamond Bank’s low-cost deposit base from the retail segment, while also facilitating growth in non-interest income and a reduction in interest expenses.
He said though Diamond Bank has continued to grow its corporate and mid-tier business segments, the bank’s focus remains on retail banking and providing convenient and easy banking to the Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSME) segment, pointing out that the concept of value chain management and the deployment of digital strategies will help provide end-to-end solution and ultimately improve value for the bank and the customers.
“In the months ahead, the bank will continue to deploy new technologies and digital applications to drive financial inclusion and convenient banking amid a decline in the pace of economic activities and weak economic fundamentals. The bank will also continue to deepen its retail strategy to mop up low cost fund, expand its credit creation structure and increase market share in all market segments,” Dozie added.
An FCT High Court on Tuesday admitted some bank documents from an official of Diamond Bank as evidence against former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin.
The witness, Ms Margret Enena, the Manager of a branch of Diamond Bank in Abuja, told the court that the account of Naval Engineering was domiciled in her branch.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first defendant is standing trial on alleged N600 million fraud.
jibrin was on May 25, 2016 arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on alleged criminal conspiracy and purchase of a property valued at N600 million while in service.
He was charged alongside retired Rear Admiral Bala Mshelia and retired Rear Admiral Shehu Ahmadu and Harbour Bay International Limited.
The witness said she had collated the document when EFCC requested for them.
She listed a set of documents which also included the statement of account which she said was not signed by her.
During cross examination by counsel to the first defendant, Mr Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), the witness said she was not in that branch of the bank when the account was opened.
“I have not had any transaction with the first defendant.
“I am in the court because the court has ordered us to provide all documents relating to the account,’’ she said.
When cross examined by the second defendant`s counsel, Mr Olatunji Salawu, the witness told the court that Naval Engineering International Ltd was a limited company.
According to her, she does not know the directors of the company nor witnessed the signing of the transfer of property.
The witness said the third defendant was a co-signatory, adding that by the nature of the account, the cheque of N600 million could not have been raised unless mandated by a superior person.
Enena, however, said she did not know anything about the fourth defendant, Harbour Bay International Ltd.
The EFCC had alleged that the three defendants who were signatory to the account of Naval Engineering Services Limited paid for a property.
EFCC also said the property located at Plot 2717 Cadastral Zone, AOC, Maitama, Abuja was handed over to Harbour Bay International instead of Naval Engineering Services which developed and funded the construction.
EFCC had further alleged that the former Chief of Naval Staff’s wife was among the directors of Harbour Bay International.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Sadiq Umar adjourned the case till May, 22, May 23, and May 24 for continuation of trial.
A Grade 1 Area Court, Kado, Abuja, on Thursday sentenced one Victor Chaiha to seven months’ imprisonment for criminal breach of trust and cheating.
The presiding judge, Alhaji Ahmed Ado, however, gave him an option to pay N9,000 fine.
Ado also ordered him to refund the sum of N190,000 to the complainant within two weeks, with an advice to be a decent businessman.
The convict, who resides at Angwan Shaho Karmo, Abuja, was convicted of the two-count charge
against him.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Zannah Dalhatu, told the court that one Jonathan James of Karmo village, reported the matter at the Karmo Police Station on March 15.
Dalhatu said that the complainant, on March 6, entrusted the convict with the sum of N190,000 to deposit into his (complainant) Diamond Bank account at Wuse Zone 5 Abuja.
He said that the convict fraudulently converted the money to his personal use and that all efforts to recover the money had proved abortive.
During police investigation, the convict confessed to have committed the said crime.
Before being sentenced, the convict prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, saying that the money got missing.
The prosecutor said that the offence was punishable under Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.
The Bank of Industry (BoI) says it has partnered Diamond Bank to provide soft loans worth N140 billion to traders, artisans, cooperatives, youth and farmers.
Its Acting Managing Director, Mr Waheed Olagunju, stated this in Lagos during the launch of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).
He said the Federal Government introduced the scheme because of its passion for sustainable business growth and micro-entrepreneurs empowerment.
He explained that under deal, BoI would disburse the cash to micro-entrepreneurs
According to him, GEEP is one of the social intervention programmes of the Federal Government being executed by the bank.
He said the government was seeking to promote financial inclusion and access to credit for 1.6 million market traders, artisans, cooperatives, youths and farmers through GEEP’s MarketMoni product, known as a microcredit loan, easy to access between N10,000 and N100,000 and repayable in six months.
He explained that the idea was to make the loan easily accessible and affordable to the beneficiaries provided the beneficiary has a Bank Verification Number (BVN) and belonged to a market association.
He further explained that the loan is affordable and without interest rate, except for administrative fee, which is five per cent flat.
“That means, if you take N20, 000 loan you will repay N21, 000 at the end of six months. The beauty is that it is a weekly repayment, so it is easy for the beneficiary,” he said.
Represented byBol’s Executive Director, Financial Inclusion and Micro Enterprise, Mrs Toyin Adeniji, the lender’s CEO said the partnership was to enhance the participation of the informal sector in the banking sector.
Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, said the synergy would translate to gender empowerment, job creation, business growth and promote government’s cashless policy system.
“We are not just providing finance but using ICT to formalise the vibrant and informal sector of the economy,” Dozie added.
Essays and artworks of winners of 2016 Vision of the Child (VoTC) were on display at the Diamond Bank headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, last week as entries opened for the 2017 edition of the competition.
The winners, drawn from both public and private primary and secondary schools, whose literary and visual art works centered on the theme: Sisi Eko @ 50 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Lagos State, showcased their works to the applause of parents, teachers, officials of Diamond Bank, sponsors of the competition, and dignitaries, including Mrs Nike Okundaye, renowned batik and textile designer.
The recitation of essays/poems by Victory Shaka of Ajara Grammar School, Badagry, Rebecca Spencer of Greenfield Comprehensive College, and others painted beautiful word pictures of Lagos in its past and present glory – detailing both its good and bad sides.
Ten-year old Sophie Okonkwo of Sureville Montessori School, Ikota, who won the second prize for visual art category as a pupil of Chrisland School, also spoke of her painting of a well-dressed woman, Sisi Eko, which was well acclaimed as one that could compete internationally.
She drew laughter when she said she was forced to enter the competition but was no longer allowed to draw because her parents complained “she draws too much.”
Of Sophie’s work, Mrs Okundaye said: “When you look at what they have drawn, this is a pride of Africa, not only Nigeria. This 10-year old’s painting can compete anywhere. Don’t let anyone discourage you.”
Diamond Bank’s Executive Director, Business Development, Mrs Chizoma Okoli, said the bank was happy to be associated with the competition since 2012 as it helps young ones exploit their talents.
“We are very happy to be part of VoTC. We started in 2012 and we are firmly rooted in supporting it. The VoTC seeks to promote the intelligence of children. It aligns with our corporate strategy of going beyond banking. We like impacting on the lives of individuals,” she said.
Mrs Okoli also praised Prof Wole Soyinka for introducing the literary part of the competition about two years ago.
Mr Jahman Anikulapo, head of the Lagos @ 50 Committee, said a collection of the essays/poems and art works by the pupils would be published in a book.
“Lagos at 50 is actually to celebrate the young ones. We can’t thank Diamond Bank enough for investing in our today and tomorrow,” he said.
VoTC Project Manager, Ms Foluke Michael, said the 2017 edition would still focus on the Lagos @ 50 celebration – with participants working on specific themes that depict life around Lagos.
“Past VoTC winners (2012-2016) will be required to search through Lagos State for any feature that best illustrates the Festival motto: “Enhance the Heritage; Advance the Future”. Choices of subject can be: architectural (building or landscaping); street décor; transportation; motor park; leisure park; public or private institutions; public facilities; government policies; performances; innovations; and educational models…,” she said.
A Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has fixed March 2 for ruling on an application by Diamond Bank seeking possession of assets, machinery, equipment and property of a construction firm in Ekiti, CIMA Resources Nigeria Limited.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo fixed the date after hearing counsels to parties in the matter last Tuesday.
The bank accused the firm and its owner, Mohammed Cofie – respondents in the application – of owing N181.9 million, being the balance of a loan obtained in 2011.
Trouble began when the bank (first applicant) appointed a lawyer, Mr. Funmi Roberts (second applicant), as a receiver/manager to take over and preserve the property and assets used by the firm as security to the loan.
The motion on notice was brought pursuant to Sections 391 and 393 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act Cap C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, Order 28 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2009, Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act and Sections 6(6), 44(1) (2) (c) and k of the 1999 Constitution.
The applicants asked the court to grant an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the respondents by themselves and other directors, their privies, servants and agents, from preventing them from having free access to the assets and property on Km 6, Ado-Ikere Road, Ado Ekiti.
They also prayed the court to direct the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, to give police protection to the receiver appointed under Clause 5 of the Deed of All Assets Debenture, to gain access to the assets, machinery, equipment and property.
At the hearing last Tuesday, counsel to the firm and Cofie, Mr. Kayode Oyeyemi, urged the court to discountenance the application.
He argued that the bank did not follow due process in appointing Roberts as receiver/manager to take control of the company and its assets.
He said the bank did not serve any demand notice on the respondents and urged the court to restrain the bank, privies, assigns, agents and servants from taking over the company and its assets in Ado Ekiti and from further charging interests on the loan.
In his argument, counsel to the applicants, Mr. Ayo Faleti, explained that Roberts was appointed as receiver/manager of the assets in contention with instrument agreed to by parties.
He said the application was to preserve the property and assets used as security by the firm.
“Experience has shown that once defendants notice that a creditor is trying to take possession of property, they either move it out of jurisdiction or destroy it,” he added.
Two lucky customers of Diamond Bank have been rewarded with N2 million each for emerging the two millionth customers to open a Diamond Y’ello account and download, register and carry out financial transaction with its star digital financial platform, Diamond Mobile app.
A tailor, Tasiu Mansur, who emerged the two millionth Diamond Y’ello active account holder resides in Kano, while a hairdresser, Chidiadi Aguwa, who was newly employed as a security guard by a private security firm became the two millionth Diamond Mobile app customer. Chidiadi lives in Lagos.
According to the bank, celebrating the two millionth customer exactly one year after the Mobile app users hit the one million mark is a reflection of the success of its digital led strategy in the delivery of world-class financial services; and the informed choices being made by customers on “better ways to do banking”.
Speaking during the presentation of cheques to the two customers, Uzoma Dozie, Chief Executive Officer, attributed the success of the bank’s retail-focused digital strategy to unwavering commitment towards going beyond banking and giving customers the opportunity to enjoy convenient banking that suits their changing lifestyle.
“Customers can now access service at their own convenience and be able to do what they want to do when they want to do it,” Dozie said.
Speaking to journalists in pidgin English, Chidiadi, the lucky two millionth subscriber on the Diamond Mobile App, narrated how she nearly missed out on the winnings because of the nature of her work.
She said: “Aunty Blessing (her account officer) bin dey call me, dey call me but I tell am say na night I dey work and I no get time to come the bank, but after, I con go”.
According to her, she had only N1,000.00 in her account, but had to use N200 from the amount to buy airtime to enable her account officer show her how to download and use the mobile app. Unknown to her, she was the two millionth customer to download and register the app in her phone.
Tasiu, who could only speak the Hausa language had his brother with him to act as his interpreter. Overwhelmed with joy, he said his winning the N2 million naira was pure providence as he was approached whilst walking on the street and convinced of the benefits of having the Diamond Y’ello Savings Account, which he then went ahead to open.
Specifically designed to make banking easier for more than 100 million Nigerians who do not yet have a bank account, the Diamond Y’ello account allows customers perform a wide range of banking transactions from their MTN phones without data or Wi-Fi connection. By dialing *710#, anyone with a registered MTN line can instantly open a bank account for free from any mobile device and become included in the formal financial system.
The Diamond Mobile app on the other hand is an application for all Diamond Bank customers that can be downloaded on a smartphone – be it Android, Apple, Windows or Blackberry. The app allows customers to make payments and transfers, both in and out of Nigeria; as well as non-banking services such as buying airtime, movie tickets and paying schools and churches. In the latest release of the app, Diamond Bank launched a digital eSUSU service, which takes the hassle out of running a joint savings club.
Diamond Bank is Nigeria’s fastest growing retail bank, leveraging innovation and technology to enhance customer experiences and drive financial inclusion in what it terms Beyond Banking. Since incorporation in December 1990, Diamond Bank has challenged the market environment by introducing new products, innovative technology and setting new benchmarks through international standards. Today, Diamond Bank is best placed to respond to changing lifestyles and is leading the digital transformation in response to these societal shifts. Diamond Mobile app is Africa’s leading banking app and the first with the touch ID feature.
The 1 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Kebbi state has celebrated the 2016 annual West African Social Activities (WASA) to mark the end of year successful end of training and operational activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was marked by officers, soldiers and their families with varieties of activities that included tug of war, cooking, cultural dances, songs as well as mini Durbar by the Gwandu emirate horsemen.
The colourful event, sponsored by the Diamond bank, also featured cultural dances by the Tiv, Yoruba and Kalagu musicians, the NYSC cultural dance troupe as well as the presentation of awards of honour to distinguished friends and well wishers of the soldiers.
The debate on the topic ”Public schools are better managed than private schools”, that was won by Miss Jamila Usman of the Nigerian Army primary school, Dukku Barracks in Birnin Kebbi.
The Charlie Company of the 1 Battalion, Dukku Barracks won the Diamond bank price as the best in cooking competition while the administration company came second.
The Galadiman Gwandu emirate, Ibrahim Bashar, represented the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar, who inspected the mini Durbar and the delicacies prepared by the wives of the soldiers from different formations.
The acting commanding officer of the formation, Capt. Ibrahim Aliyu commended the soldiers for discipline and dedication during the year and called for peaceful coexistence with the immediate community.
A cross section of people who converged at the Barracks described the annual event as entertaining and a major avenue to mingle and share goodwill between civilians and the soldiers and their families.