Bank of America customers lose some account access after mainframe problem

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

A Bank of America mainframe computer malfunctioned, leaving an unspecified number of customers in the Los Angeles area temporarily unable to access account information online, by telephone, via ATM or at branches.

Bank of America spokeswoman Tara Burke said no personal financial information was compromised and the bank is fixing the problem. Online banking was restored shortly before noon Thursday, Burke said.

‘There was no compromise to account security. This was not a hacking issue and we expect this to be resolved shortly. Customers still can get funds at a teller or ATM,’ Burke said.

Burke did not say what caused the computer to crash or why some accounts were affected while others weren’t. She said only customers ‘in and around Los Angeles’ were affected.

In an email to The Times, one concerned Bank of America customer said: “Today, my online account says that 2 of my savings & checking accounts do not exist. Also, their phone line tells me that I don’t exist. The wait for a B of A phone representative is over 30 minutes.”

--Stuart Pfeifer

ALSO:

Bank of America shares tumble again

Bank chiefs seek to reassure investors

Bank of America’s stock value falls 20%

--Stuart Pfeifer