Uber riders in Jamaica face NCB account liens due to card glitch

Some Jamaican users of the ride-sharing platform Uber are facing unexpected liens on their accounts due to chargebacks for past rides.

The issue stems from a technical “glitch” affecting payments for customers using National Commercial Bank (NCB) Visa Debit cards.

Neither Uber nor NCB have released official statements on the matter, leaving affected users in confusion.

Reports have surfaced of customers being billed hundreds of thousands of Jamaican dollars for rides previously thought to have been paid for. 

“That’s not the issue, NCB saying I owe them $300,000, I don’t use Uber that often,” said one user, Elvoy, in a post on X previously Twitter.

Businesswoman Monique Powell also shared her experience. 

Over the past week, NCB Visa cardholders have allegedly been unable to complete Uber transactions, which has disrupted the ability of many to pay for rides. This frustration was compounded when chargebacks began hitting customer accounts yesterday, charging them for rides taken months ago.

During the weekend, Uber’s technical teams issued a message stating they were “actively addressing this matter to restore full functionality as soon as possible." Users were also advised to switch to alternative payment methods, such as credit cards, until the issue is resolved.

"So, over a week later, persons discover not only they can’t use their card in Uber, but their entire account may be frozen," said Andre Millwood on X.

The problem first came to light earlier this year when users noticed that payments for Uber rides made with NCB Visa cards were being reversed and the funds returned to their accounts.

This anomaly sparked confusion and led to increased usage of the app. Some customers assumed the reversals were part of an Uber promotion, while others took advantage racking up huge bills.

One user on X @cesaaspx, suggested Uber riders request a payment plan rather than make a fuss about the bank taking money that is owed to them.

“I’m confused. Did you guys not think that eventually the rides needed to be paid for? Yk [You know] when you don’t pay for the ride, the driver doesn’t get paid? Better unu did a fuss say unu want a payment plan or sumn. but to expect NCB to cover your uber rides?? explain like I’m 5.”

She added: To be mad seh the ppl dem a take the money owed to them is insane. who is going to pay for the rides that were taken??”

However, some users claim they weren't aware of the glitch.

"They have every right to be mad that these charges are being taking out their accounts in a lump sum especially if they believed they were being charged all along and wasn’t aware of this glitch," @EssaGia commented.