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stranger than fiction?

I recently discovered that my virgin credit card balance had been reduced by a significant amount - a payment that had been made or transferred on Christmas Day.

Whilst I realise that this must be a mistake that someone has not yet realised, where do I stand on it legally?

Should I alert the bank or sit tight and pray that an anonymous benefactor has sent me a christmas present, or close the account and move to Jamaica!

I would be interested to know if any of you have had similar experiences or you know of either my, or the banks legal position / obligation / responsibility.

Thank you

Comments

  • IMO if you start spending the money, then you are committing a criminal offence of theft.
    I'm not sure how long the bank/issuer have to rectify the mistake.
    Just don't spend any of the money - a local pair of sisters have just gone to jail for spending a £10k bank error.
  • Spark
    Spark Posts: 817 Forumite
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6966683.stm
    I suppose that means that you should contact your bank and tell them about it.
  • Stephen_Leak
    Stephen_Leak Posts: 8,762 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    As I have said before to others in this situation, it all depends on what you want to be re-incarnated as.
    The acquisition of wealth is no longer the driving force in my life. :)
  • vincent2 wrote: »
    Whilst I realise that this must be a mistake that someone has not yet realised, where do I stand on it legally?

    Should I alert the bank or sit tight and pray that an anonymous benefactor has sent me a christmas present, or close the account and move to Jamaica!
    u

    It can amount to theft, as in the words of the Theft Act 1968, you "know or believe" the credit is not right.

    Contact the company.
    ...much enquiry having been made concerning a gentleman, who had quitted a company where Johnson was, and no information being obtained; at last Johnson observed, that 'he did not care to speak ill of any man behind his back, but he believed the gentleman was an attorney'.
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