If a banks makes a mistake and gives you extra money, can should I use it?

Question

Should I spend it? Should I let them know? Is it legal to use it? It's not my fault in the end.

What if I pretend I didn't know or notice?

Answer 1

Don't spend. If they notice, they will take whatever you have from you account, and maybe even leave you in the negatives.

Answer 2

No. It is illegal because it is not your money and eventually they will catch/find the mistake and reverse the transaction and you will be liable for the difference.

If you use the funds and "pretend" not to know any better you would be committing banking fraud and could go to jail.

Depending on the amount involved that you "misappropriate" it could be considered a felony charge.

Answer 3

If you're gonna be a thief, make sure you can retire from it. Report it to the bank. You'd sleep better at night.

Answer 4

You can't, it's not yours and they'll take it back from you.

Answer 5

don't on Yahoo news this guy with the same name as a rich person got 13 milllion he told the bank it wasn't his the bank told him it wasn't and he spent it and then the rich guy found out and either the bank or the rich sewed the guy (doesn't sound fair right i would keep the money until they found out and then give it back saying i was right

Answer 6

I'd save it for a year, then spend wisely.

Answer 7

**** yeah, I'd use it ! Those supercapitalists have made a mistake, not you. If they'd deduct it from your account, you can go to court and have a great chance of winning, you didn't take it deliberately.

Answer 8

No you shouldn't. I know it's tempting :) but they will take it back anyway, I guess.

A few years ago in France, an ATM got crazy. It was giving you more money  than you asked..Later, the bank took the money back from all the costumers who used it.

Answer 9

Hold on to it as when they realise their mistake they will take it back and you will have an overdraft !