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Submit your complaint →Mohammed A reports a shocking ₹8 lakh negative balance in his SBI savings account with no response from the bank. Read full complaint, legal remedies, and how Choice4Voice.com helps consumers facing similar banking negligence.
Complaint Summary : Mohammed A vs State Bank of India – ₹8 Lakh Negative Balance Issue in SBI Savings Account | Consumer Case
| Complainant Name | Mohammed A |
|---|---|
| Profession | IT Professional (Azure Cloud, Big Data, Equifax) |
| Bank Name | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Issue Type | Unexplained Negative Balance in Savings Account |
| Amount in Dispute | ₹8,00,000 (Negative Balance) |
| Account Type | Savings Account |
| Duration of Issue | Over 1 week |
| Preferred Resolution | Urgent correction of account balance and official explanation |
Full Complaint Write-up
In a deeply concerning case that raises questions about transparency in India’s largest public sector bank, Mohammed A, a certified Microsoft and Azure Cloud expert working with Equifax, has reported that his State Bank of India (SBI) savings account suddenly displayed a negative balance of –₹8,00,000 (eight lakhs).
This account, as stated by the complainant, had more than ₹1 lakh in deposits, and was neither a current account nor an overdraft-enabled account making this negative balance completely unjustified.
Key Facts Reported by the Complainant:
- The incident occurred while he was living abroad, making it difficult to visit the branch physically.
- Multiple emails were sent to the branch manager and corporate office, but no response was received.
- He made repeated calls to customer care, only to be placed on hold for hours.
- Follow-up messages and complaint escalations have gone completely unanswered.
The Impact:
The complainant stated that his family in India depends on the account for medical expenses and daily needs, but since the account shows a negative balance, all payments are blocked.
He expressed concern about how such incidents damage customer trust, especially among NRIs and overseas account holders who rely on SBI for cross-border financial support.
In his words,
“If this can happen to a normal savings account, how can NRIs like us trust opening or maintaining NRI accounts with SBI? Trust is the foundation of banking silence in moments like these destroys it.”
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
If you’re facing a similar situation with SBI or any other bank, Choice4Voice.com provides a structured way to raise awareness and seek action:
- Step 1: Submit your complaint on the official Choice4Voice.com form.
- Step 2: The team verifies your claim and publishes it publicly to pressure the concerned institution.
- Step 3: You’ll also receive detailed guidance on legal filing, RBI Ombudsman escalation, and consumer forum procedures.
Possible Reasons for Negative Balance in Savings Accounts
Even though Mohammed A’s case is exceptional, such issues can sometimes occur due to:
- Systemic or server errors during batch processing or reconciliation.
- Incorrect internal entries or failed reversals during transaction rollbacks.
- Fraudulent debit activity without the customer’s authorization.
- Technical glitches in the bank’s CBS (Core Banking System).
However, in all such cases, SBI is responsible for identifying the error, correcting it, and providing a written clarification to the customer.
Applicable Legal Remedies & Authorities
| Legal Option | Authority | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bank’s Internal Grievance Cell | SBI Principal Nodal Officer | For initial escalation |
| RBI Ombudsman | https://cms.rbi.org.in | For unresolved cases beyond 30 days |
| Consumer Forum | District Consumer Commission | Compensation for mental stress or financial loss |
| Cybercrime Portal (if suspicious activity) | https://cybercrime.gov.in | For fraudulent or unauthorized deductions |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
Step 1: Write to SBI Nodal Officer
Send an email to the Principal Nodal Officer of SBI with complete account details, transaction screenshots, and all previous correspondence.
Email: customercare@sbi.co.in
Subject: Urgent – Unexplained Negative Balance of ₹8,00,000 in Savings Account
Step 2: Escalate to the RBI Ombudsman
If no response within 30 days, file your case at:
🔗 https://cms.rbi.org.in
Attach all relevant communication and request compensation for mental agony and financial obstruction.
Step 3: File a Consumer Forum Case
For unresolved or prolonged cases, file a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 through https://edaakhil.nic.in.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Email to SBI
Subject: Urgent – Savings Account Showing Negative Balance of ₹8,00,000
Dear Nodal Officer,
I am writing to bring to your attention a serious issue with my SBI savings account, which is currently reflecting a negative balance of ₹8,00,000 despite having a positive balance earlier.
I have contacted my branch and customer care multiple times via email and phone but have received no response. This has caused severe inconvenience, as I am unable to access my funds for family expenses in India.
Kindly investigate this immediately and provide a detailed explanation and correction. If I do not receive a resolution within seven working days, I will escalate the matter to the RBI Ombudsman for further action.
Thank you,
Name: Mohammed A
Bank: State Bank of India
Account Type: Savings Account
Amount in Question: ₹8,00,000 (Negative Balance)
About State Bank of India
State Bank of India (SBI) is India’s largest public sector bank, serving millions of customers globally. While it has an extensive reach, SBI has faced recurring customer complaints related to delayed grievance handling, unresponsive customer support, and technical discrepancies in digital banking systems.
Conclusion
This case highlights a critical breach of trust and transparency in India’s banking ecosystem. A savings account showing a massive negative balance without notice is not only unacceptable but also raises concerns about the security of customer deposits in large public banks.
The State Bank of India must urgently:
- Investigate and correct the account balance.
- Provide a written apology and detailed clarification.
- Review its customer grievance system to prevent future cases of such negligence.
Q&A
Q1. What should I do if my SBI savings account shows a negative balance?
Immediately contact your branch manager and the bank’s Nodal Officer with written proof.
Q2. Can a savings account have a negative balance in SBI?
No. Savings accounts cannot go negative unless it’s an overdraft or system error.
Q3. How long does SBI take to resolve banking discrepancies?
Usually within 7–10 working days after official complaint submission.
Q4. How can I contact SBI’s grievance redressal team?
Email customercare@sbi.co.in or contact the Principal Nodal Officer.
Q5. What is the RBI Ombudsman process?
You can file an online complaint via https://cms.rbi.org.in if no resolution after 30 days.
Q6. Can I claim compensation from SBI for mental stress?
Yes. Under the Consumer Protection Act, you can file for damages.
Q7. Is it safe to keep large savings in SBI?
While SBI is generally safe, always monitor statements regularly.
Q8. What documents are needed to file a complaint?
Include bank statements, screenshots, and all previous emails or letters.
Q9. Can SBI deduct money from savings accounts without consent?
No. All deductions must be notified in advance.
Q10. What happens if my account shows an error while I am abroad?
You can raise the issue online through SBI’s grievance portal or email support.
Q11. How do I contact SBI from outside India?
Use international helplines or email nri@sbi.co.in for NRI-related issues.
Q12. What if the bank ignores my complaint?
File your case with the RBI Ombudsman after 30 days.
Q13. Can Choice4Voice.com help with SBI cases?
Yes. Choice4Voice.com publishes verified complaints to hold banks accountable.
Q14. What is the SBI Nodal Officer’s role?
To ensure quick resolution of escalated or ignored customer grievances.
Q15. Can I take legal action against SBI?
Yes, through Consumer Court or the Banking Ombudsman Scheme.
Q16. What causes negative balances in savings accounts?
Technical errors, unauthorized debits, or failed transaction reversals.
Q17. Is an overdraft automatically enabled on SBI savings accounts?
No. It must be explicitly requested and approved.
Q18. Can an NRI open an account with SBI safely?
Yes, but regular monitoring and secure email communication are advised.
Q19. What compensation can be claimed under RBI guidelines?
Refund of disputed amount plus compensation for delay and inconvenience.
Q20. How to prevent such issues in the future?
Set up SMS/email alerts, check your account weekly, and report discrepancies immediately.
