Money paid into my account by mistake

AndyinLondon_2

You may potentially have a claim against the bank, if you could argue that, based on the incorrect information they gave you, you had changed your position. However, you would need to prove that the bank told you the money was yours, and would need to demonstrate that you had spent it on things you wouldn't otherwise have bought. For the sake of £65 it's a bit of an academic debate.

The easiest option for all concerned would be to pay it back - it was, after all, never yours to spend in the first place.

Chadsman

I was just thinking it has been a long time since this question was asked.

nicolac34

Ok, thanks for the replies - I think it's a little harsh to say that it was theft when I did contact the bank at the time and I had no idea where the money had come from so couldn't contact the original Company to say it had been paid in error - the bank weren't helpful with this question either (as I asked them who to contact).

We will be going back to the Uk eventually so I will not be creating 'debts' nor getting my parents into any bother, I was just asking what recourse this Company had to demand the money back within 2 weeks - i.e. could they when it's their mistake.

Tabbie

olly300 wrote: »

BTW if you are using your parent's house as a redirection address some companies can turn nasty and apply any credit information to you at that address even though you don't live there. However before that they are likely to hassle the occupants with letters and phone calls - I've been on the receiving end of it. I suggest you don't create debts at other people's houses otherwise you may find yourself with out an address to use for this purpose.

I am not sure I agree with this? When you set up a redirection there is an option as to whether you want companies to be notified of the redirection address, I can't remember what the default is. I have had my mail redirected to my daughters address on several occasions and none of the companies know her address or have any idea that the mail is being redirected!

IanManc

nicolac34 wrote: »

Ok, thanks for the replies - I think it's a little harsh to say that it was theft when I did contact the bank at the time and I had no idea where the money had come from so couldn't contact the original Company to say it had been paid in error - the bank weren't helpful with this question either (as I asked them who to contact).

We will be going back to the Uk eventually so I will not be creating 'debts' nor getting my parents into any bother, I was just asking what recourse this Company had to demand the money back within 2 weeks - i.e. could they when it's their mistake.

I'm not saying you're a thief. I was pointing out that spending money that's been paid into your account that isn't yours is theft: you did say though that you'd contacted the bank about the problem, and were told - wrongly - that you couldn't be made to pay it back.

If you were a thief you'd hardly be asking advice about whether to pay it back, would you?

As you're planning to come back here eventually, I think it's a good idea to get your parents to pay tfor you asap. And apart from that, although people have said that the registrars who've wrongly paid it would write it off, in my experience they seem to have tunnel vision, and just go on and on pursuing such things, even for as little as £65, ad nauseam. The bottom line is that they are entitled get it back, even though it's their mistake.

Hope you're having a great time while you're abroad.

nicolac34

Just a quick update - it has still not been resolved!

I've emailed a number of times, and even called the 0870 number from here in Oz (costing me a small fortune as they kept me on hold for ages).

The crux of the issue is the 'cheque' part, apparently a large organisation such as Computershare can't process any other payment than a cheque! I've said I can transfer the money by BACS or give them my card details - all met with 'hmmmm, I'll get back to you' - well they haven't!

Ah well, they can't want it back that badly...

missile

I don't disagree OP should pay it back but do not understand why they are entitled but when joe public makes a mistake it's too bad?

RetiredInThailand

nicolac34 wrote: »

I've emailed a number of times, and even called the 0870 number from here in Oz (costing me a small fortune as they kept me on hold for ages).

If they ever do get around to taking the money back, be sure to deduct all your incurred costs from the sum you finally return. It's their stupid fault you have to do this, not yours, and they should foot the bill.

Lansdowne

Why not just send them a cheque in AU$ for a suitable amount net of your phone costs? If they want settlement at any price they will need to pay the currency costs. Also by giving your correct address you reduce the chance of harassment of the folks at home.

nicolac34

Lansdowne wrote: »

Why not just send them a cheque in AU$ for a suitable amount net of your phone costs? If they want settlement at any price they will need to pay the currency costs. Also by giving your correct address you reduce the chance of harassment of the folks at home.

Our bank account out here doesn't have a cheque book attached to it, in fact do they use them in Oz? Never seen cheques been used!

I've changed my address with them so any 'demand' letters will come here. Although I have all the email proof that I've been trying to sort it out.