I have anxiety and ptsd, I am also a single parent to a 7yo.
I check my bank everyday and keep track of all transaction, I do work but this is a hangup from being on only benefits and struggling so I knew where every penny went. I would also round up on my own lists so that I always had enough.
I transfer all money out of my account into a different account. The money is then moved around from my savings either back to my current account, into my Lifetime ISA or stays in my short term savings. I use the savings to buy food and everyday things (I can access them at anytime in branch or through online banking, transferring the money to my current account to withdraw if using online/the app)
This morning I’ve checked my bank as usual expecting my current account to have around £70 in and my savings to have around £200. Savings are there as expected but current account has an extra £350 in.
I check my statement just to see if someones paid me unexpectedly (my pay days are set for wages and CM but CB or UC can sometimes change due to where in the month payday falls) but can’t see the extra £350 on my account.
I’ve gone back through my statement but all the figures add up to the £70 in my current account and £200 in savings everything has been paid as it should at the right time and has a name next to it. I’ve checked all my accounts with people like amazon and next where I’ve been ordering Christmas presents in case I’ve been given a refund for something and just missed an email but can’t see anything.
I’ve called the bank and they couldn’t understand what I was saying and actually seemed offended when I asked why there was an unexpected £350 in my account, they’ve said I must have done something or been given it by someone, but admit if I had it would appear on my statement.
I was worried it was some sort of scam so that’s why I called but they said those would appear on my statement under a random name and their systems would pick it up (which is true, I’ve paid for something on a random website before and they’ve called me to check it was me and similarly when someone’s put money in my account, they’ve called me if it’s a large amount to check I was expecting it).
I just don’t get it, the bank where unhelpful and I’m terrified I’ve got an extra £350 right before Christmas that I don’t know where has come from. It will also affect my UC so I’m worried someone will come demanding it back.
I’m always really careful where I put my bank details and if I’ve used a bank account I will only transfer the exact amount I need into a 3rd account I use for buying online.
Any ideas what it could be? I’m really scared of having more money than I should. It sounds like a ridiculous dilemma written down.