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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

As my name suggests..!

21 replies

TooMuchMoneyInMyAccount · 12/02/2025 20:02

More of a What Do I Do, than an AIBU.

I opened my banking app this morning to find over a grand added to my account overnight in several payments, varying between 120 and 160 quid. All from the same person, the only details being an initial and a surname, eg B Smith.

I called the bank. They had no idea! Couldn't see where it came from. I asked what to do.

The guy was perplexed. He asked his manager, who was equally confused.

Eventually they told me to leave it alone. I asked for how long. They said, errrr dunno!

So what do I do? I will get confused having over a grand extra in my account and struggle not to spend it! They told me not to move it in case of I'm not sure what. It's not like some random person can just delve into my account and take stuff out, can they?!

Weird!

OP posts:
JustMyView13 · 12/02/2025 20:13

If the payment has incorrectly been made to your account, the bank can remove it again. I had my full isa allowance deposited into my ISA account years ago, and then reversed out a week later. Interestingly also a Smith. However, it was a cashier that had keyed the incorrect account info in, and not a transfer.

Original poster
TooMuchMoneyInMyAccount · 12/02/2025 20:16

It wasn't really a Smith.
And could someone accidentally send 10/12 payments incorrectly?

OP posts:
DoYouReally · 12/02/2025 20:21

Ask them to trace the payment and notify the beneficiary.

Theunamedcat · 12/02/2025 20:21

We're they for the same amount? Maybe they tried transferring it and when it didn't go where they wanted it they tried again...and again

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 12/02/2025 20:22

Don't do anything.
You may get a message saying it was mistake and asking you to transfer it back, (or ti a different account). If do you will be being used for money laundering.
Also DON'T spend it!
You have notified your bank, let them sort ot out.

User543211 · 12/02/2025 20:25

This happened to my in laws once. The next day 'the bank' called to say they could see the activity on the account and that it was scam, told them they'd remove them while on the phone if they could just confirm some details. It obviously wasn't the bank and was in itself a scam but luckily they didn't do it (obviously scammers would have emptied the whole account).
It was £1000 which seems nuts but maybe makes it more believable?

Original poster
TooMuchMoneyInMyAccount · 12/02/2025 20:30

Theunamedcat · 12/02/2025 20:21

We're they for the same amount? Maybe they tried transferring it and when it didn't go where they wanted it they tried again...and again

No, varying amounts between 120 and 160 quid.

OP posts:
Original poster
TooMuchMoneyInMyAccount · 12/02/2025 20:30

DoYouReally · 12/02/2025 20:21

Ask them to trace the payment and notify the beneficiary.

I did, they couldn't find them.

OP posts:
Original poster
TooMuchMoneyInMyAccount · 12/02/2025 20:31

User543211 · 12/02/2025 20:25

This happened to my in laws once. The next day 'the bank' called to say they could see the activity on the account and that it was scam, told them they'd remove them while on the phone if they could just confirm some details. It obviously wasn't the bank and was in itself a scam but luckily they didn't do it (obviously scammers would have emptied the whole account).
It was £1000 which seems nuts but maybe makes it more believable?

I asked if they thought it might be some sort of scam or money laundering scheme.
Came up blank.

OP posts:
RazzzzzzzzzlllllllleDaaazzzzllle · 12/02/2025 20:33

I have a Starling account that I use for various short term money pots to ensure I don't spend money I have allocated to various things.

Could you deposit the money in something like that temporarily? Stop you spending it, and instant access should you need to give it back pronto.

BobbyBiscuits · 12/02/2025 20:40

I would basically just ring fence that amount off and not use it. I'd say maybe leave it a couple months, any reasonable person or bank who knew about the error would try and sort it by then surely. Then if noone asks about it just spend it?
Even if they ask for it back I don't think you have to respond. Presuming they typed in the wrong account no etc.
You've told the bank to try and alert the sender that it's going to the wrong place? If so then you've done your best.

kawala · 12/02/2025 20:44

Could it be a helping hand from a parent or family member who wants to remain anonymous?

DoYouReally · 12/02/2025 21:01

TooMuchMoneyInMyAccount · 12/02/2025 20:30

I did, they couldn't find them.

Show quote history

You need to specifically ask them to do a trace on the payment. It may have been lodged without reference etc. Tell him you have concerns about the possible source and that you need them to contact the bank who sent the transfer to get the details.

They will be able to do this, it will just take a few days.

I worked in a bank over 20 years ago and they could do it even back then.

TY78910 · 12/02/2025 21:04

No idea but following for when you find out what happened!

admirible · 12/02/2025 21:12

TooMuchMoneyInMyAccount · 12/02/2025 20:30

I did, they couldn't find them.

Show quote history

They can they have to go to the bank it came from. They just won’t.not cant

MaterCogitaVera · 12/02/2025 23:11

When you called the bank, did you call the fraud line? If you're 100% sure this isn't money you're owed by someone, then I would try that (there should be a number on the back of your bank card, I think). They will have specific knowledge of scams and other fraudulent transactions, and may be better able to advise you than a standard bank employee.

Original poster
TooMuchMoneyInMyAccount · 13/02/2025 06:05

kawala · 12/02/2025 20:44

Could it be a helping hand from a parent or family member who wants to remain anonymous?

No, definitely not. Unfortunately.

OP posts:
Original poster
TooMuchMoneyInMyAccount · 13/02/2025 06:07

MaterCogitaVera · 12/02/2025 23:11

When you called the bank, did you call the fraud line? If you're 100% sure this isn't money you're owed by someone, then I would try that (there should be a number on the back of your bank card, I think). They will have specific knowledge of scams and other fraudulent transactions, and may be better able to advise you than a standard bank employee.

I called them via the app, so I don't think it was the fraud line. I will try that today. And ask them to do what @DoYouReally said!

OP posts:
BitOutOfPractice · 13/02/2025 06:14

It sounds dodgy to me. Especially as the bank couldn’t trace it. Keep your guard up op if you get any calls claiming to be from the bank.

PurBal · 13/02/2025 06:19

As far as the bank is concerned it's your money. Similar thing happened to me (£17k transfer) and whilst I did try to return it I didn't try very hard. Eventually got a letter from the company that transferred it to say I could keep it, which is what the bank had been telling me all along.

discdiscsnap · 13/02/2025 06:19

This happened to me when I was young. I went on a spending spree and spent the'free money' the bank realised their error and I had to pay it back over three months.

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