Sort code and AC number mix up

Gasman_81

I recently transferred a sum of money from an NS&I account to what I thought was my current account with Santander. However, I only realised that I had made a mistake on the sort code when the money did not arrive after 3 days. At the time of setting up the designated account for NS&I, the incorrect sort code was listed as Santander and that was how the mistake was made. I phoned NS&I to ask them to initiate a Bacs recall but despite reassurances, I found out that the recall was not made until 9 business days after my request and them being notified. I am of course upset that I made the error but felt that they could have done the recall earlier and that they don't provide a final step for checking the account details before withdrawal (both the sort code and account numbers are hidden once the designated account is set up). 
Since then, I've been trying to see why the money has not automatically bounced back and have been dreading the worst case scenario. I've also looked up the wrong sort code in question (09-03-31) but all account number combinations I've tried have returned accounts that are not validated. When I spoke with Santander, the sort code does not seem to belong to any savings or current accounts either. It seems to give me a link to a physical branch in Glasgow which has been closed since March. The BACS sort code checker also seems to suggest that the particular sc should not accept BACS payments. 
My questions are, is it likely that my account number will be used with a different sort code? I've used my account number against different santander sort codes to set up dummy new payees but no duplication has returned so far. If there is no matching account or if the sort code indeed does not accept BACS, then why hasn't my money been returned? Anyone with knowledge or experience in this? 

London7766551

It will go to a Santander dump account I suspect. You need to ask Santander again or make a complaint. 

Frogletina

I doubt if Santander will help as they are likely to pass you back to NS&I. I recently had this problem and was told that the banks have 2O working days in which to deal with the recall of payments.

The bank that my payment went to would not deal with me regarding this query.

xylophone

What have you been told by NS&I?

Gasman_81

That they have started the recall process. I think I have to wait the max period of 20 days for definitive outcome. Most of the articles say that banks have 2 working days to start the process after error is reported, but NS&I did not act until nearly 2 weeks later. I am not sure they can be held to the same standard as a bank though. 

GrumpyDil

If the account no + sort code combination does not exist then it will have ended up in some sort of holding account. It will just take time for it to be returned. 

whitesmith

I seem to remember a difference in how the money is sent - is it true lower amounts are sent by NS&I via FP and higher amounts by BACS? A FP would bounce straight back to NS&I if the sort code / account no did not exist. Not sure about BACS - I suspect the same. If possible could you let us know the amount?

Gasman_81

They've confirmed that it was by BACS as it was from premium bonds. Thanks for the replies so far. My best hope is that it is sitting in a suspense or holding account by the sound of things. 

[Deleted User]

It looks like it's some kind of bill payment/collection sort code for Santander. 

NS&I are your only point of contact officially but if you are Santander customer too, they might be able to 'nudge forward' the return process too.

Ergates

Gasman_81 said:I've also looked up the wrong sort code in question (09-03-31) but all account number combinations I've tried have returned accounts that are not validated.

If, as it sounds, you're using the banking app to try random combinations of account numbers with that sort code, then please, whatever else you do - DON'T DO THAT!
That is account number fishing, it's an activity that is used by fraudsters to find active accounts at a bank and it's picked up by banks security systems.

Gasman_81

I see your point but it was not quite what I did. I kept the account number the same and used a few different sort codes to test whether it arrived at an active account. Hopefully no police knocking on my door