Telephone banking errors

Costa_Baz

Hi all
My wife recently tried to pay a 3k bill using the Alliance & Leicester telephone banking system, but it transpired that she accidentally sent the money to the wrong person!!
We didn't notice this until 5 days later and when we contacted A&L, we were told we were outside the time within which they could automatically recall the money.
The upshot so far is that the account holder, who received the money, has been sent a letter asking him to return the money.
I know from dealing with this guy in the past, that he will not voluntarily return the money, so does anyone know if we have any chance of getting our money back?
If so, will the bank be able to get it back for us or will we have to go through the courts, which would be awkward as we live in Spain.
Costa Baz

GeorgeUK

This is a toughy.

As i understand it, as A&L are not to blame for the error, they are not obliged to refund the money. They have done all they can by asking the account holder to return the money.

I take it this was a seperate bank the account was with? If so, then i'm afraid you're on your own. Has this happened before in the past? How do you know the guy in question - the bank wouldn't have been allowed to tell you his name. If he doesn't play ball then it'll probably need to be the small claims court.

Costa_Baz

Hi
Thanks for the reply.
Yes the money has gone to another bank.
We know the guy having had a business transaction with him last year, and it was his name showing up on our statement that indicated the error.