A Woolwich ATM Has Stolen My Money What Can I Do?

ajsutch

I used a woolwich atm machine yesterday to withdraw £300. I dont bank with the woolwich and the machine has taken the £300 out of my account without dispensing the cash.

I went into the branch and they confirmed problems with their systems but said the issue has to be investigated by their head office and i may have to wait 7+ days to reclaim my £300. Isn't this theft.

Any advise on this would be appreciated!

thesaint

Do you expect them to hand over £300 without investigating your claim?

I don't believe it's theft, but pop in to your local police station to check.

ajsutch

I know they would have to investigate under normal circumstances because of fraud. But they knew the system had gone down and their was no notice on the ATM.

Why should i have to pay for their system failier?

Taking £300 out of my account has left me in a sticky situation.

Rafter

It is unlucky but it happens.

7 days seems a realistic time frame to confirm whether the machine has got a fault, whether there is more cash inside than has been dispensed, check local CCTV etc etc.

I'd be more concerned if they handed it back just like that as the saint says.

Annoying, but just one of those things. Perhaps with hindsight you should have withdrawn that much in a branch of your local bank just in case.

R.

ajsutch

Think your right rafter.

I'll make sure i only use my banks ATM machines in future.

PBA

First thing to do is check your statement. The one time this happened to me the money actually went straight back into my account automatically. If it hasn't gone back in you need to report this to your bank, rather than the Woolwich. They'll then get the Woolwich to investigate for you. The next time the machine gets topped up they'll be able to see if your £300 was retained. Machines usually get filled at least once a week, more often in busy locations, so it shouldn't take much more than a week for them to get back to you.