Bank computer error hits 600,000

Accounts – particularly businesses – with BNP Paribas debited several times.

A COMPUTER bug has hit nearly 600,000 accounts with BNP Paribas – multiplying standing orders, cheque payments and direct debits.

According to Le Parisien-Aujourd'hui some of the bank’s clients have had the same transactions carried out two or three times.

BNP Paribas has confirmed that a bug had caused errors and said it was in the process of rectifying them. The bank said that direct debits and standing orders were the key areas hit.

A spokesman for the bank said: “The incident is already sorted and, within 48-hours, all trace of the errors will be rectified and the clients concerned reimbursed.”

The spokesman added there would be no consequences for businesses or individuals who found themselves overdrawn as a result.