Barclays mistake

stevejolly

I received a phone call from nationwide last Friday to say I should expect a letter this week. Apparently a check I issued in July 2019 was credited to the payee by their bank, Barclays, but Barclays never claimed the amount from my bank.  They now have and want payment! It being beyond 6 months Nationwide asked me what I wanted to do. They suggested the options were to pay in full or by instalments. When I pushed them they said that if I was unable to pay Barclays could write it off. 
Where do I stand?

ratechaser

So what you're saying is that you spent the money that would otherwise have been debited to cover the cheque and think you shouldn't have to pay it back?

[Deleted User]

Did the money leave your account in July 2019?

stevejolly

The cheque was one of 16 that went to a builder. The scope of the build was adjusted as the money ran out. At the end we settled the final account unaware that the builder had been paid more than we had spent.
 In answer to your questions; no the money did not leave the account in July 2019 and no I don't think we shouldn't have to pay it back. However after18 months and a mistake not of my making I wonder how quickly I will be expected to settle. According to the call I received there are likely to be thousands of such cases.
Thanks for your comments  

mab3000

So the builder ended up getting paid more than what they should have? If so, sounds like you would need to speak to the builder to reclaim this money. 

If you are not happy that Barclays are claiming the money back, you can complain to them, even if you are not a customer of theirs. 

adamp87

stevejolly said:

I received a phone call from nationwide last Friday to say I should expect a letter this week. Apparently a check I issued in July 2019 was credited to the payee by their bank, Barclays, but Barclays never claimed the amount from my bank.  They now have and want payment! It being beyond 6 months Nationwide asked me what I wanted to do. They suggested the options were to pay in full or by instalments. When I pushed them they said that if I was unable to pay Barclays could write it off. 
Where do I stand?

There was a similar post a few months ago.

Arguably which you will get lots of posting point out be warned from experience, you are expected to keep on top of your finances and notice the ins and outs.

However on the other side, it’s taken the bank nearly 2 years to notice this and rectify its mistake so I think you are within your rights to lodge a complaint and see what they say.

You can always turn around and offer them instalments you don’t have the money now.  

Thrugelmir

stevejolly said:

The cheque was one of 16 that went to a builder. The scope of the build was adjusted as the money ran out. At the end we settled the final account unaware that the builder had been paid more than we had spent.

Has the builder found an old cheque and now tried to encash it?  i.e. trying it on.

Barclays can simply return the cheque unpaid if there's insufficient funds. 

stevejolly

Thanks for all the replies.
I have spoken to the builder who cashed the cheque and was credited at the time. I am confident that he has not been overpaid, well; no more than you might expect!
Even if this had been apparent at the time I don't think that Barclays can expect the funds to have remained in a current account for nearly 2 years.