Someone paid money into my account in error

Kayalana99 · 22 March 2017 at 2:00PM

Hiya,

I know I have to give it back, but has anyone had this before and can explain the process? Will the bank just transfer it back to wherever it came from?

Whilst I'm aware I need to give it back, from googling it seems the banks normally are not interested and only until the person where the money came from contacts you (or their bank so to speak), it becomes an issue? I'd rather not be holding onto someone else's money and be chased down the line.

Just slightly annoying as I feel I've now got to go ringing them etc.

eskbanker · 22 March 2017 at 2:25PM

Kayalana99 wrote: »

Will the bank just transfer it back to wherever it came from?

Only after contacting you first to get your side of the story.

Kayalana99 wrote: »

I'd rather not be holding onto someone else's money and be chased down the line.

Just slightly annoying as I feel I've now got to go ringing them etc.

Your choice - personally I'd just leave it and wait but if you don't want to do that then you can proactively contact your bank, although I still don't think they'll act until contacted by the sender's bank.

alanq · 22 March 2017 at 2:49PM

Kayalana99 wrote: »

Will the bank just transfer it back to wherever it came from?

I have a Nationwide FlexDirect account which is meant forbid use of branches except for a few named exceptional reasons. I asked online for an unrecognised payment to be returned to whence it came and was told to visit a branch.

The branch (manager?) was able to reverse the payment. This shows that it can be done where there is a will to do so. I assume the only reason it wasn't handled online was the call centre staff wanted to pass the buck.

Kayalana99 · 22 March 2017 at 3:25PM

That's what I'm thinking if they don't act till sender gets in touch doesn't seem much I can do.

I'm happy to return it, but certainly not going out of my way to town into a branch to do so. I guess I will just wait till they get in touch, annoying though...

I did some googling and people were asking for refunds years down the line so rather not have it hanging over me.

I guess if nothing happens I'll pop in when I'm next in town but I don't go in a lot.

jonesMUFCforever · 22 March 2017 at 7:37PM

Branch staff won't know where the money has come from.
IMO if you are going to contact the bank (rather than let them contact you) phone and ask to speak to someone from the bank's internet division.

Chapuys · 22 March 2017 at 9:41PM

Technically, once you realise there has been a payment into your account in error you must contact the bank or you could be charged with 'Retaining wrongful credit' under the Theft Act 1968 by not informing them.

A person is guilty of this offence if
1) a wrongful credit has been made to an account kept by him or in respect of which he has any right or interest;
2) he knows or believes that the credit is wrongful; and he dishonestly fails to take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances to secure that the credit is cancelled."

boliston · 22 March 2017 at 11:14PM

The bank should be able to reverse it as their system will show the sender name sort code payment type and account number

Kayalana99 · 22 March 2017 at 11:42PM

Thanks so much guys.

Mystery has been solved.... I took hen party deposits about 3 months back, and the £120 was from someone I have never met - but they paid me, instead of paying the Bride for the hotel booking for the wedding!

Guess they just must have had me set up as a person to pay and as it was the last place they sent 'wedding' money too they assumed it was the same place!

Someone paid money into my account in error

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