Wrong Transfers

OpenRent Chat
1

I mistakenly submitted a wrong account number to receive my holding deposit at the end of the my tenancy. Open rent have transferred it but it’s to this wrong account. I have contacted the recipient but they have refused to return the money.

I’m devastated. Has anyone being in this situation.

What can I do?

1 Like
2

Maybe contact your bank as it was your mistake

3

@Kingsley14

Have they said why they won’t return it? They shouLd probably tell their bank to return to original sender (Openrent/mydeposits) who can then send to you. Remember they have no idea who you are you could be a hacker etc for all they know

If they still refuse, ask citizens advice, your bank and the police but i think this would be theft on part of the wrongful recipient. If so explain this to the recipient and if they still refuse report the crime to the police. See below

Good luck

Yes, keeping or spending money sent to your bank account by mistake when you know it is not yours can be a criminal offense, often treated under UK law as dishonestly retaining a wrongful credit. [1, 2]

Just having the money land in your account is an accident, not a crime. However, choosing to keep, move, or spend that money rather than returning it makes it illegal.

The Legal Reality

  • Not your money: The funds legally remain the property of the person who sent them in error.
  • Theft Act 1968: Under UK law, if you realize a payment is a mistake and you dishonestly keep it or fail to take reasonable steps to return it, you can face criminal prosecution.
  • Consequences: You can be ordered to pay the money back, face a court case, or receive a criminal record. [1, 2, 3]

What You Should Do

  • Do not spend it: Spending the money is a clear sign of dishonesty and worsens your legal position.
  • Contact your bank: Call your bank right away. Tell them you received an unexpected transfer that does not belong to you.
  • Let the banks fix it: Your bank will contact the sender’s bank to arrange a safe return of the funds. [1, 2]
4

You can report it to the police. The recipient is committing theft by finding. You may have to sue them for the funds if they still refuse to return it.

1 Like