UBA Makes U-Turn, Unblocks Use of Cards for Pōrn, Other Transactions

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Pan-African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, on Friday, August 25, 2017, rescinded its decision to restrict the use of its debit and credit cards by customers for transactions involving jewellery, pōrnography, dating, betting and others.

In an email notice to its customers on Thursday, which was obtained by Business Post, the lender had explained that the restriction became “necessary with the increased need to protect our customers and the institution from fraud, litigation and reputational damages.”

But about 24 hours later, UBA sent another mail to its customers, informing them they were now free to use their cards anywhere.

“In our relentless bid to continuously provide excellent services to our customers, we work hard to protect your transactions and Identity.

“We recently sent you correspondence indicating that your cards would be protected from certain risky sites.

“We have listened to you and have heard that this is not in line with your expectations. We have immediately made adjustments accordingly.

“Please be informed that all sites have been unblocked and you can now transact on any platform globally that you would like to whilst we continue to provide surveillance on some high risk activity points to protect your transactions.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will continue to work hard to serve you better,” the mail signed by Mr Chukwuma Nweke, Executive Director, Group COO of the bank read.

With this, customers of the Mr Kennedy Uzoka-led bank can now use their UBA’s debit and prepaid cards to carry out transactions with merchants transacting “Jewellery, Pōrnography, Dating and Escort Services, Betting (including lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, off-track betting and wagers).”