Is this an error with my bank account or am I just lucky?
@handsomeitaliano (1050)
United States
February 10, 2010 9:40am CST
Ok, well I deposited my fiance's half of the rent into my checking account yesterday and withdrew the total rent amount as a bank/cashier's check. When I got home, I logged into my bank account online and saw the recent transaction I did noted on my account. Cool, no problem.
Today, however, I log into my bank account and guess what? That withdrawal transaction with the rent/cashier's check is totally gone, it shows the deposit I made (my fiance's half) but it doesn't show that I withdrew anything after that. It's almost as if I never took out the rent or as if the bank re-imbursted the entire rent amount for me. While it's cool to have this "extra" money, so to speak, in my account, I just want to make sure whether or not this is a bank error or what? Usually, when I withdraw the rent as a bank/cashier's check, it goes through right away as usual but it appears this time was an exception. Hmm... Should I report this or not?
2 people like this
15 responses
@k15682 (300)
• United States
10 Feb 10
Are you asking for opinions of whether or not you should be honest? I would hope you were taught that as a child. To answer your question, yes report it. Save yourself some trouble and possibly NSF charges (if you indeed spend that money again).
1 person likes this
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
10 Feb 10
You should report the error.
Anyway,the bank will find about it,but it is better if you were the first one to report it.
@nicanorr (1789)
• Philippines
10 Feb 10
The amount of the money matters not. You've clearly revealed the descrepancy. I'm sure it will the bank's teller who will bear the brunt of the transaction. Given the opportunity- do report your honest discovery to the bank. I Know it will give you a lasting peace of mind.
1 person likes this
@trruk1 (1028)
• United States
10 Feb 10
Do not spend that money. Online bank statements are not always current. When databases are updated, errors sometimes creep in, but those errors are almost invariably corrected later. Even with everything computerized and copies stored in multiple locations, banks still make mistakes. They are very rare, but it does happen. If that withdrawal still does not show up in a month, you may have made a month's rent at the bank's expense. But it is unlikely. Check your account later and I think you will see the transaction. If you think the bank has lost it somehow and you spend the money, I assure you the bank will not assume responsibility.
@warvial (1146)
• Singapore
10 Feb 10
Could it have been a system rollback? (Which shouldn't have happened unless the bank doesn't have backup server or the backup server didn't sync with the current database to update your records) Anyway, it's up to you to make the decision ultimately but I think it would be good if you could report to the bank for you never know if this instance, they missed out your withdrawal and the next time, they could miss out your deposit.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
11 Feb 10
I'd tell them about it and I'd stay right there until they straighten it out. As tempting as it would be to let it go, I think you would just end up regretting that choice. What usually happens is that the bank will eventually notice their error. Then they will have to correct it at your expense even if you have already spent the money. Depending on the bank, it could end up costing you overdraw fees or at the very least throw you into a compromising financial situation.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
10 Feb 10
You need to report it. The rule is that if you make an error, you suffer the consequences. If the bank makes an error, same thing! If they accidentally give you more money than you actually have, they can take that money back as soon as they discover it whether it's the next day or ten years from now. So please straighten in out as soon as you can.
1 person likes this
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
19 Feb 10
Just wait one more business day and it will surely show up.
If not, it is up to you. Personally, I would tell them, and that is possibly one of the reasons I am a 'preferred customer' and get very good treatment from my bank. I have had the same account since I was 15 yrs old. They give me credit for the loyalty and my honesty. I can deposit a cheque at a bank machine and cash it instantly even if I had a balance of $1 prior to the deposit. I could put in an empty envelope, but I have never done anything wrong so they trust me. New account holdlers have all cheques 'held' temporarily before they will release the funds, or if you want to make a withdrawl immediately afterwards, you usually have to already have that (withdrawl amount) balance in there.
@sublime03 (2339)
• Philippines
11 Feb 10
I just have to say there are times that they do not update that. There are banks that have difficulties with tracking their funds. I do suggest wait for a few days then check back with it again. Hopefully it does not minus the amount you withdrew and then you can say you are lucky. You may also try checking thru the atm machine if it still shows up that you have the amount then that is great.
@Ingkingderders (3832)
• Philippines
11 Feb 10
I say report it, cause sooner or later the bank would realize their mistakes and they are gonna take back the money no matter what, so might as well give it back now before you are tempted to use it or something. hehehe.
@malamar (779)
• Canada
11 Feb 10
The bank will notice the error eventually there is no doubt. Why not take the moral high ground and bring it to their attention first? Same end result really since the money is not really yours to begin with. BUT, you look like the "good guy" for being upfront and honest, and you really will feel good about yourself in the long run.
@shylade (3132)
• Philippines
11 Feb 10
this really happens. maybe after a day it will also reflect unless the teller forgot to logged your payment. i suggest you wait for another day or two.
then it is up to you when you will report it or not. but i believe if the money is not really for you, you should return it. you may never know that someone will be charged because of the unreflected payment. so better be honest and i guess that amount will not make you any richer... good luck!
@BlueGhost (129)
• Indonesia
11 Feb 10
You were so lucky,, but you still need to report this to the bank
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
10 Feb 10
no dont report it,you just c ame upon a time when theres a lag, it will go through and your account will show it has, so wait, as the money is not yours, the check or money order just has not cleared yet. even if its a bank error they will find it and correct it. but I think theres just a time gap instead.
