My "friend" needs advice, please

tomandkath

If the building society sent my friend a cheque in error and my friend innocently put it into her bank account, how long could pass before the building society could not ask for the money back or could they ask for it back at any time in the future?
I, of course, will advise my friend to send the cheque back forthwith! :rolleyes:

Lokolo

6 years I think. Its classed as a debt. i.e. your "friend" is in debt to the bank.

I think its 6 years anyway, there have been discussions about this before but I can't remember the overall answer! (lots of aruging usually)

Happychappy

"my friend innocently put it into her bank account"

Is that in a sort of "Mam I fountit" type of innocence, bit like the great train robbery finding it ; ) like your style

tomandkath

6 years! Ooer, that's a bit scarey. Could it go in a saving account or just hand it back and be blowed, do you reckon?

LongTermLurker

They'll notice by the end of their financial year at the very latest. If you know it's in error you might as well give it back now - if you forget and spend it then you'll be in bigger trouble when they want it back because you'd probably be taken to court. Not worth the hassle.

tomandkath

OK, my friend doesn't like this at all now and hopes the building society realises it's a duplicate on Monday, otherwise she'll own up! Thanks for the help, it had gone to my head somewhat - I mean my friend's head lol.

LongTermLurker

tomandkath wrote: »

OK, my friend doesn't like this at all now and hopes the building society realises it's a duplicate on Monday, otherwise she'll own up! Thanks for the help, it had gone to my head somewhat - I mean my friend's head lol.

Being a duplicate, you may also find out they've cancelled it, in which case depositing the second cheque could be very embarrassing. I think you've made the right choice.

greenface

just out of interest has "your friend "said how much. ??
And would people be quicker or slower to own up to £30 than £3000 .
Although i know morally there is no difference just in case it happens to my "friend"

tomandkath

£24,000! Not sure if that makes it better or worse!

Debt_Free_Chick

Could be that someone else has not received the cheque for £24k they've been waiting for. Once that person queries this, the building society will probably trace the mistake and then contact your friend.

greenface

keep it but dont spend it :beer: is my advise bank can only take it back ??
how can they possibly say you should have realised you had two cheques when they didnt realise they sent two cheques.:cool: :T .

any chance of a sub:D