To contact the wife of ex-colleague for money back?

[sallyb79x]

This is mortifying.

I'm not in touch with someone who left my work a couple of years ago and he doesn't have social media but his wife has a Facebook page.

I was distracted while sorting out my online banking and instead of paying £350 to Barclaycard I have bank transferred it to Barry. I had his details from a collection for a group gift and didn't realise till after I sent it.

I can't let the money slide but it is unreasonable to contact his wife through Facebook and let her know I'm a moron and ask for it back??

I think that would be ok, yes.

I'd contact and explain ASAP. If they have a joint account she might notice and wonder why on earth you're sending large sums of money!

Have you tried the bank first? Is your ex-colleague on LinkedIn?
I would message the wife apologising for the inconvenience but be aware she might just think it's a scam.

Call the bank first but I'd also message her with a screenshot of the transaction to counter any suspicions on her part.

Contact your bank immediately and explain the error.

well I'd give the wife the information needed to pass onto her husband for him to contact you. he will know its NOT a scam as a) he would remember you and b) he can see £350 in his bank account.

But yes, I'd probably try linked in first - she may not see a FB message as it would go into the OTHER MESSAGES folder.

Definitely!

A reminder to delete obsolete payment details and old DDs and STOs from your online account!

Yes, to all above suggestions. Contact bank, Barry Via linked in or new employer & wife.

Have you tried to contact Barry?

I would contact Barry and the bank first and then absolutely contact the wife afterwards.

Bank won’t do anything. I once sent an online payment for £2350 by mistake rather than £235. The bank said it was entirely user error and not their issue. Fortunately the company sent it back.

I agree the bank cannot help, they make you go through a few steps when transferring money to ensure there are no errors, so it really isn't their fault. You clearly have to contact them anyway you can. Are there no other colleagues who may have his contact details?

The bank will do nothing, I did this and called the bank seconds after I made the transfer and they spent 30 mins on the phone with me heloing me fill in a form and said I’d 99% be likely to get it back. I didn’t. I did eventually get it back directly from the recipient though.

Contact the wife.

Not at all. Just explain. Only a proper arsehole would keep the money.

Did Barclaycard not contact you to say they weren't getting paid?

I think asking for it back is the only thing you can do.

Yes I can’t see any reason why there would be anything wrong with contacting his wife.
The bank won’t do anything.

Why would you not contact her?!!!!

Also, “mortifying” is a ridiculous word to use!

“Hello. My name is Sally. I used to work with Barry at Company until Date. I just made an online banking error - I transferred him £350 as his name was saved next to Barclaycard. I had it from when Barry co-ordinated Joe’s leaving collection. I’m sorry to bother you, but saw your on fb when looking for Barry. I need to pay my bill, could you please transfer it back to Account? Thank you so much!”

Now, mortifying would be if she was in an unauthorised overdraft and couldn’t give it back!

Zombie or not what was the outcome?