Paid twice by client???

callmelinda

I realise you ask for this not to a moral debate, rather how to work your books to take into account this extra "income" so to speak. Going on that line, I think Savvy_Sue's comment is at least relatively honest and fair practice, although I personally would still be uncomfortable with that if it was me. But if you're hellbent on keeping it until they ask for it, then that's your decision.

It does appear strange to complain of them trying to rip you off and being a pain etc whilst appearing to want to financially profit from a mistake on their part as some sort of sweet unexpected revenge. I take it you profited from them along the way if they're your client and, if they are so bad, I'd prefer to never work with them again and to avoid ever having to hear from them rather than to deliberately choose a path which could harm your reputation and not only clearly questions morality but maybe even the law.

Encantador

Bossyboots wrote:

You are committing a criminal offence by not attempting to return the money even if it is not asked for.

And what criminal offence might that be???

Bossyboots

Encantador wrote:

And what criminal offence might that be???

Its an offence under the Theft Act, the link to which has been posted on these forums by myself and other posters a number of times. When I've had my dinner I might go and find it again.

callmelinda

Encantador wrote:

And what criminal offence might that be???

I guess it's section 2 here: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1996/1996062.htm

A person is guilty of an offence if-

(a) a wrongful credit has been made to an account kept by him or in respect of which he has any right or interest;
(b) he knows or believes that the credit is wrongful; and
(c) he dishonestly fails to take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances to secure that the credit is cancelled.

and it continues as you can see...

BANANABUS

send them a credit note!

Encantador

callmelinda wrote:

I guess it's section 2 here: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1996/1996062.htm

A person is guilty of an offence if-

(a) a wrongful credit has been made to an account kept by him or in respect of which he has any right or interest;
(b) he knows or believes that the credit is wrongful; and
(c) he dishonestly fails to take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances to secure that the credit is cancelled.

and it continues as you can see...

I would have to disagree.
(3) A credit to an account is wrongful if it is the credit side of a money transfer obtained contrary to section 15A of this Act.

This suggests to me that there the credit has to have been obtained by deception.
In the OP, the company paid in the money voluntarily, ie no deception took place, therefore the section you quote is not relevant.

TakeTake

True if someone put money into your account and you did not deceive them, then you did not act illegaly - as you didn't do anything - they did.

You could alway invoice them for another 10k's worth of work, then the next day send them confirmation that you already received it.