Viral video shows ATMs in Ireland giving out free money after Bank of Ireland tech glitch
An unexpected tech glitch at the Bank of Ireland has led to a situation where customers with little to no money in their accounts were reportedly able to withdraw up to 1,000 euros from ATMs, prompting large crowds to form at ATMs across the country, eagerly hoping to take advantage of the apparent loophole.
What
Picture this: Large groups of people forming impromptu ATM queues, not for a blockbuster movie premiere or free concert tickets, but for the chance to drain their empty accounts like they've just struck a digital goldmine. Reports from the Irish Independent painted a rather amusing scene of folks, rushing to seize the day - or in this case, the euros.
Dublin Airport confirm large queue outside Terminal 1 is actually for the Bank of Ireland ATM. pic.twitter.com/C5EoNG9H7n
— Dr Harold News (@DrHaroldNews) August 15, 2023
The technical error created a window of opportunity for individuals with insufficient account balances. They were able to transfer funds, sometimes up to 1,000 euros, into a Revolut account which could then be accessed from ATMs.
But but
Bank of Ireland responded to this game of digital Robin Hood with an obligatory eyebrow raise, warning those who thought they could trick the system into believing they were account tycoons that any borrowed funds would be mercilessly snatched back once the spell wore off.
We would like to remind customers if transferring/withdrawing funds-including over normal limits-this money will be debited from their account.We are conscious customers may not be able to check balances,but should not withdraw/transfer if they are likely to become overdrawn
— Bank of Ireland (@talktoBOI) August 15, 2023
The bank also issued a statement acknowledging the IT failure that had occurred and expressing its commitment to rectify the problem as a high priority.
An Garda Siochana, the Irish police force, noted an unusual surge in ATM activity across the country, particularly at Bank of Ireland ATMs.
A "glitch" was allowing Bank of Ireland customers to withdraw up to €1000, even if they didn't have sufficient balance. So the state did what the state does and sent out cops to protect the ATM's from the poors. (Ireland) | https://t.co/BJ376ueuot
— nobody from nowhere (@OLAASM) August 16, 2023
Long queues at ATMs
Social media was flooded with videos and images depicting lengthy queues at various locations, including Dublin, Limerick, and Dundalk. In response, police officers were dispatched to guard certain ATMs to maintain order and manage the situation.
Bank of Ireland in Navan, major fault allowing money to be drawn out even if you have none in the bank. Where are the Gardai? pic.twitter.com/XujVzIhdAr
— Chris Rattigan ©️®️™️ (@ChrisRattigan1) August 15, 2023
The issue extended beyond the ATMs. The bank's online and app services were also impacted by the glitch, leaving customers with limited access to their accounts and an inability to conduct essential transactions.
#BankOfIreland right now on O Connell Street, the world has gone mad 😂 pic.twitter.com/LOkT3LvGcy
— Denise Ross (@iDeniseRoss) August 15, 2023
As the situation unfolded, Bank of Ireland found itself in a challenging position. The bank issued a public apology to its customers for the inconvenience caused by the technical glitch.
Every Bank of Ireland ATM right now. pic.twitter.com/R2rPnYK12e
— Marty Carlin (@martycarlin_) August 15, 2023
Revoult dragged in
Revolut, a banking technology firm, confirmed that it was investigating claims of excess money transfers into customers' accounts from the Bank of Ireland.
This added a layer of complexity to the situation, as it suggested that the glitch might have affected not only the bank's customers but also potentially impacted other financial institutions.
Me after withdrawing money from my revolut at a Bank of Ireland ATM pic.twitter.com/EBNCDrGhS9
— Caolán Mc Aree (@Caolanmcaree) August 15, 2023
In the midst of these developments, the bank’s tech team is seemingly hard at work, striving to mend the virtual cracks in the financial matrix. However, as of the latest update, the bank had not provided an estimated timeline for when its mobile app and online services would be fully restored.
While it lasted, the tech hiccup bestowed its fleeting magic, however, the financial universe has a way of balancing the books, even if it takes a bit of digital sorcery.