Money Moral Dilemma: Should I go back to the supermarket that didn't charge me and offer to pay?

MSE_Kelvin

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

 I did my big shop at a major supermarket and paid with a credit card as normal. Yet when my card statement arrived, I hadn't been charged. Do I go back and offer to pay, so the supermarket doesn't lose out? I'd feel a bit silly as it's been weeks and I don't have a receipt, so I don't know exactly what I bought or how much it cost. Given such a big firm's unlikely to be affected by a one-off loss, I could say nothing and carry on shopping there, but would that make me no better than a thief?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't answer Money Moral Dilemma questions as contributions are emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value. Remember that behind each dilemma there is a real person so, as the forum rules say, please keep it kind and keep it clean.

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.
Got a Money Moral Dilemma of your own? Suggest an MMD.
View past Money Moral Dilemmas.

Brie

buy something and give it to your local foodbank.  they need it more than a supermarket chain.

tacpot12

You could go and ask them if there is away you could pay something. The chances are that there aren't and that they will be very happy you have come forward. I exect that they would be happy for you to donate an amount in their name to a local food bank as an option if they don't have a corporate charity they would rather you donated to.  

horsewithnoname

They still have time to charge you, so personally I’d leave it. You paid so you are not a thief, if they don’t take the money it’s their look out. 

Donate to the Trussell trust if it doesn’t appear on your card in a couple of months. 

JGB1955

I wanted to cancel one of my credit cards but was aware that there was a missing charge for my weekly supermarket shop.  It turned up, six months later.  As long as you put aside a 'likely' amount, you should be OK.... but don't assume it will just disappear into the mist.

riding_pink

My parents did this once at Waitrose, a whole trolley load - a self service till and absence of glasses. They realised when the glasses went on to review the receipt after they got home and had unpacked and immediately called up, offered to bring it all back, gave their loyalty card number - the team said it was their treat, and to please not worry. 

I’d donate to your foodbank if you can. There’s a great app call BankTheFood which tells you the needs of your local food bank. 

SStitanic

I wouldn’t spend my time worrying about it, if they want it they can find you

69yearold

It is their fault, not yours. So, after your next big shop put a matching amount of money aside in a savings account and give them a chance to collect it. Then if they still haven't collected it, by the new year, transfer the account to the Salvation Army.

Oh and always ask for a receipt.

RecRec

Don't worry - yet. These charges can come through a lot later. You have paid so it is likely the charge has yet to catch up. Odd small amounts may get missed but large amounts unlikely.

DSout

You SHOULD pay, but I wouldn’t.  It will be a lot of hassle finding someone to contact and then working out what to do. 

They might still come up with the charge months away. 

It’s nothing to do with them being able to afford it.  That’s no excuse.  But is is about you not being able to afford the time and effort, just to end up agreeing to forget it, or agreeing some random amount paid to charity. 

Southendormargate

No. You paid. The fault is either with the credit card company or some sort of processing error at the supermarket.