Money paid into my account by mistake, what's the law?

moneymark

Hello,

Not sure if this is the correct place to ask this question...

Just over £3000 has been paid into my business bank account by mistake it seems. From what I can tell it has come from a company in South Africa.

I understand the bank can ask for it back by law, although as it is from overseas would that make a difference?

Also is there a limit on the time frame they can ask for it back?

Thanks

Stevie_Palimo

If it is not yours as you clearly stated inform the bank and look at what they say as to getting it paid back to the rightful owner, There is no way you should even consider keeping this and if it was turned around on you then I'd be sure you'd scream blue murder.

If I am wrong then I apologise but reading your post looks like you are seeking a way of keeping it.

agrinnall

Stevie_Palimo wrote: »

If I am wrong then I apologise but reading your post looks like you are seeking a way of keeping it.

I can't really see any other reason for asking the question.

jonesMUFCforever

OP be careful if you get a request to refund by anybody else other than your bank.
Don't respond to any contact saying ''we sent this to you by mistake'' please return it to bank xxx etc

Let your bank take the money away if/when asked.

masonic

Sounds like someone is trying to recruit you as a money mule.

pinkdalek

Do you not have a conscience?

McKneff

masonic wrote: »

Sounds like someone is trying to recruit you as a money mule.

He or, he or, he ought to know better....

sorry, I'[ll get me coat.

[Deleted User]

masonic wrote: »

Sounds like someone is trying to recruit you as a money mule.

McKneff wrote: »

He or, he or, he ought to know better....

sorry, I'[ll get me coat.

Is it a Donkey Jacket ?

Thrugelmir

moneymark wrote: »

Just over £3000 has been paid into my business bank account by mistake it seems. From what I can tell it has come from a company in South Africa.

How did they obtain your account details?

Westie983

typical type of scam, they will then ask for you to return the funds via western union or moneygram, then you find a couple of days later the credit side of the transaction is no longer on your account but the payment out is.

Similar scam is related to Microsoft, and they 'accidentally' paying in £20000 rather then £200 'Compensation' then asking for you to return the difference but then reversal of the 20k, but you end up £19800, short...

Would take care with this especially if you are not expecting any payments, let alone have no contact with Africa.

http://netcred.co.uk/security/overpayment-or-advance-payment-scam.html

pinkdalek

Following on from Westie's info, it could be a scam. You need to check with your bank on their systems if this money is showing to your account.
It could be your laptop/PC has been hacked and you "think" you are looking at your online banking and it appears you have more money. In reality you are on a bogus site. The scammers then contact you to send it back via Western Union and in reality you are just giving your money to them.

If it has been credited in errror all you can do is speak to your bank for their advice.