Dozens, possibly hundreds, of Bank of Cyprus customers received letters in the post over the past few weeks warning them that they would lose their accounts if they did not settle their excess balance, which in some cases was as little as €3.

The banks said the letters had been sent erroneously and customers should have received an SMS requesting them to ignore the letters.

Disgruntled Cyprus Mail readers said they had not received the SMS, as they were abroad and their Cyprus phones were not currently in use.

A Bank of Cyprus source told the Cyprus Mail that the letters were prepared through an automated system.

The source assured BoC customers that letters would not be sent out again for any amount under €50.
It added that on no account did the bank wish to upset its customers for such small amounts.

In its SMS, BoC apologises for any inconvenience.
It adds that the letters sent out, which some customers may still receive, were part of a “standard procedure, which we have reviewed to ensure that you do not receive letters regarding such small amounts again.”

For further clarifications, customers can call 800 00 800.