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Bank payment by mistake

hi there,

I am new to the forum as I have a question.

I had some money paid into my account by my mum. When I questioned her about it, she denied doing it.

We checked her account (different bank) and it shows the money leaving, then being paid back in. But my account clearly shows this credit. It was 12 days ago.

I know this money is not mine and I can't spend it! Has anyone had this happen before? Am I best off putting this money into a savings account and waiting for the bank to spot the mistake and ask for it back?

Advice appreciated.


Thank you in advance.

Comments

  • karlie88
    karlie88 Posts: 9,114 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    genic wrote: »
    hi there,

    I am new to the forum as I have a question.

    I had some money paid into my account by my mum. When I questioned her about it, she denied doing it.

    We checked her account (different bank) and it shows the money leaving, then being paid back in. But my account clearly shows this credit. It was 12 days ago.

    I know this money is not mine and I can't spend it! Has anyone had this happen before? Am I best off putting this money into a savings account and waiting for the bank to spot the mistake and ask for it back?

    Advice appreciated.


    Thank you in advance.

    Ring your bank or pop in to your local branch and sort it out sooner rather then later.
    :grouphug: :D Official MSE canny forumite and HUKD VIP badge member :D :grouphug:
  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    genic wrote: »
    I know this money is not mine and I can't spend it! Has anyone had this happen before? Am I best off putting this money into a savings account and waiting for the bank to spot the mistake and ask for it back?
    I wouldn't dismiss a possibility of your bank just taking the money without asking you and thus possibly making you overdrawn.
  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Can you confirm that the money was debited from your mum's account, credited to yours, then was credited back to your mums without being debited from yours? That sounds very odd, I'm not sure what would have gone wrong in FPS for that to happen. What are the banks involved? And if your mum denies ever initiating the payment that's even more strange.

    But I'd agree with grumbler that there's a strong possibility that the money will just disappear from your account, so I'd leave it where it is for now unless you would have enough there anyway to cover an unexpected debit.
  • Zkr65
    Zkr65 Posts: 34 Forumite
    Is it the same amount? The amount going into your account will be easily traceable by your provider, they will be able to see the sort code and account number from where it came, so they can check whether it is your mothers account or not..

    All providers can see where it came from, even cash deposits will display when and where it was paid..

    It can happen when a payment is made in error, I.e. a random stranger puts in your account details by mistake.. often, this is a digit wrong and when the provider looks at the payment, they will see the names match and be able to reunite the owner with the funds..

    It's also possible if paid in error the originators can do a 'forward trace' to pull the money back.. as the money is not yours, there is no notice period or contact needed, they will just move it without telling.
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