Bank accidentally gave me $400,000

[Onatreebyariver]

I just had a phone call from NatWest. They've accidentally credited my account with US $400,000 (an international payment)

I first thought it was some sort of scam but I have put the phone down and called NatWest back using the phone number on their website and spoke to the same woman -so it's definitely real. She said they'd like me to reply to their email giving them written confirmation that they can take the $400,000 back.

So... of course I will send the email and give them permission but just out of interest... what would happen if I said "this all sounds like a scam" and didn't reply to their email and used the money to pay off my mortgage :D

I know, I know, I have to give it back... but why are they even asking me, why don't they just take it?

OP. Go into the branch. This still sounds dodgy to me - I don't think that banks need your permission to take money incorrectly paid into your account back out.

It does sound almost legit but please make the time to go into the branch!!!!!

Like a pp said banks don't tend to do things like that through email. Do not give any of your account details over the phone.

Whatever you believe GO INTO A BRANCH!!! Don’t risk it, it’s just not worth it.

This has to be a scam, they would just take the money back out, I don’t work at a bank but I’m sure they wouldn’t need your permission. Don’t send the email and go in to the branch and see what they say

Have you checked your balance?

Id ignore and go into branch.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL!! There is a scam that works a bit like this. I think it is to do with a credit appearing in your account before the money has actually been cleared - the credit is then pulled and you are down the amount you have 'paid back'. I could be wrong about the details, but rushing to post this!

just go into your branch, better to be safe than sorry.
A friend has been scammed 3 times now, she isn't stupid, the scammers are just getting better.
I do online banking for small transactions, but usually I manage my accounts in branch, more safer.

Ringing the bank from a different phone should be sufficient.

You seem pretty convinced but, I agree with this poster.
I would be concerned you got through to the same woman while ringing the number from the website. Also if they haven’t mentioned anything about secure email I’d be wary.
I think I’d go into the branch to be sure.

My mum works for a bank. She has seen all sorts of clever scams, so this seems very dodgy.

Go to the branch and speak to the branch manager.

GO INTO A BRANCH. This is not legit. Why are you so confident? Only takes a quick trip into town to make sure.

OK thanks will go into a branch. But still curious about what scammers can do with an email saying "I grant permission to take the $400,000 out of my account"?

Sounds legit to me

But if you want to give me the long number on your credit card, plus expiry date and number on the strip I’ll confirm?

At the very least, google the branch number and ask to speak to the bank manager. Explain that you are wary and unsure how to confirm that this is legitimate.

Hmm. Most likely scam scenario seems to be the one @downcasteyes has mentioned.

I would speak to a branch manager, demand something in writing from them saying that THEY will cover the cost of any loss incurred by you as a result of this error, then wait about 10 days before doing anything.

I’m guessing itsnto f with everyone and make it easier fornthers to get sucked in. This thread is an absolute disgrace if even one person accepts that ‘it’s all ok’ to use the same phone
And speak to the same woman. Absolute disgrace.

This happened to me, gave them back their money and the fuckers had the cheek to charge me an international transfer fee and refused to refund it

So it's a Euro account? I didn't know NatWest operated outside the UK?

Do you not have online banking? Can you see the balance? It does sound scammy for sure.

Definitely go into the bank.

Please can you let us know the outcome of this?

Call 03457888444 opt 1. (It is the number on the back of your NatWest card). Do NOT email them back.

IF it is does randomly turn out to be genuine, do be sure to at least get a statement showing your balance, just for posterity

Depending on where the op lives popping into town to a branch might not be that easy. 99% of branches here are now "mobile" open 30 minutes (literally) one day a week.

You need to sort this face to face even if you don't think it is a scam OP. Phone them, book an appointment to discuss what happened, give "Sophie's" details and sort it out. Do not reply to random emails.

Given the amount of scams that happen you need to be very careful and they'll understand.