What's this mystery insurance payment into my current account?

[NigellaWannabe1]

I've just discovered a payment of £440.33 in my current account. The entry reads: FASTER PAYMENTS RECEIPT REF.INSURANCE CLAIM FROM AVIVA

I've not made an insurance claim and have no idea why this money is in my account. It makes me feel uneasy as my social media account details have recently been phished - I guess this can't be a scam as it's money paid in?

Any thoughts?

It could be a scam if someone contacts you to say money has been paid to a wrong account number. I would contact your bank just to be on the safe side.

If you call your bank they can give you the payment reference/approval number. I would then call Aviva with that information and they should be able to confirm if it is genuine.

You can ask the bank to return the funds if it's not meant for you

The payment was made two days ago but nobody has got in touch. How odd! Could I have been paid the money by mistake? If so, do I have to return it?

Yes it could have been paid by mistake and yes you do have to return it.

However! I wouldn't be putting myself out to return it. I'd just wait till someone asked for it.

I imagine you’d have to return it if it isn’t yours. Probably best to find out if you can.

I’d ring your bank to start with and take their advice

The thing is, the bank account connected to my social media account was different. I obviously contacted the bank at the time my details were phished but they weren't concerned; in any case, they made a note of it.

It's odd because we don't have any insurance with Aviva, that I know of! I must ask my husband tomorrow when he's back.

Whack it in a high interest easy access saver and then chase it up with the bank. Don't touch it otherwise!

call Aviva and ask them?

Just to add. If you can call the bank they'll be able to tell you if the payment was actually sent by Aviva. If it were a scam it would most likely have a personal account number not a business. Then the payment would be flagged. Obviously it would be an unusual way to scam someone, not unheard of though. I would be more concerned your account details are being used by someone else. But, for the most part, it sounds more like an error on payment.

Have you checked your credit file just to make sure nothings been opened in your name?

Don't call Aviva unless you have all of eternity to wait on them answering

R3V3NG3, you make a good point? I'll find out how to open a credit file.

Also, if it was a scam, wouldn't they pay in less money? £440 is a lot of money!

surely it is aviva payout for something and they were given the wrong bank details - that is the most obvious explanation? Why is your default setting on this scam?

EVERYBODY'S default setting on ALL unexpected financial transactions should be "Is this a scam?" until proven otherwise.

Call your Bank now for advice. Your account could absolutely be being used ss a mule account. If you don't call them and you have been in receipt of fraudulent funds you risk your account being blocked or even closed. They will want to know why you didn't contact them if you know you have no entitlement to the funds ( I work in fraud)

I am sure I read about a scam like this - but it was a while ago - I think they ask for the money back and get access to your account?

Thanks,I'll be on to the bank first thing tomorrow morning.

I might be wrong but the scam is that they'll get in touch and ask you to manually send back the money via bank transfer whilst claiming it back from the bank. So they don't lose or at best double their deposit.

Mystery solved. I've checked my emails and this is a payment related to some works that were done to a little flat I rent out. It's a long story as this is a payment my tenant is due but it is made to me, and then I pay him.

I'm happy now I know what it is. I'm still reeling from the phishing incident and am suspicious of everything now. Thanks for all your help, everyone!

Happy days!