Cheque reversed after 6 months - quick to the internet!!!

[Will Gill]

Just got this through the post:

The original cheque was the full settlement for a young lad that hit my car and randomly decided to take me to court, he lost, and this was my settlement figure.

Now his legal team presumably want the money back?! Any advice OcUK?

 

[Will Gill]

I spoke to NW and they said (as expected) nothing they can do till Monday when their cheque team (must be dead exciting) are back in the office, I have been sent a piccie of the cheque too, I remember paying it in because I can count on one finger the number of cheques I received last year

Sorry, I should have clarified, it's not a scam, it is however annoying, surely after 6+ months the law firm (Lyons Davidson solicitors) can't just reverse this payment?

 

[Will Gill]

Was this originally a decision taken by the court to award you the sum?

Trying to reclaim the cash now would appear to be in contempt of court if that's the case!

These were refunded costs IIRC, at the end of the letter (which of course I instantly binned ) it definitely said 'in full and final settelement'

 

[Will Gill]

Where’s the “mistaken” part? You paid a valid cheque made out to you into your account. Also, how can a cheque be “reversed” 6 months after it cleared?

I quite agree, the girl I spoke to said normally the 'mistake' is when the ATM scans the amount incorrectly.

 

[Will Gill]

That's absolutely ridiculous.
If this is even possible it's another reason cheques shouldn't exist

That was pretty much my take on things, what irks me further is I expect they will still take the money out of my account and I'll have to fight to get it back. Sadly as I'm a lazy so and so that will likely never happen.

 

[Will Gill]

This is a solicitor's cheque from their account not the client, they don't go reversing payments. I'd be phoning them up and threating to speak with the Law Society if you didn't get anywhere

Thanks,

I'll see what Nationwide say on monday, I'm hoping at the very least I can deny or contest the payment.

 

[Will Gill]

It sounds like nothing to do with the law firm, and nationwide think they've paid it into the wrong account, and when you ask them to state why, they will realise they have not paid the check into the wrong account, and simply roll over.
Be very interested to hear if they do not.
If it does not happen, immediately ask for the contact details for the banking ombudsman, and their complaints policy or team.
They'll run away at rapid rates soon as you mention the ombudsman as it costs them more than £162 to even take a case there, and this is clearly your money in your account, and someone else's error.

Awesome, thanks for your input

 

[Will Gill]

1. Have you bought anything on ebay lately?
2. Did you cancel the purchase on the grounds that you're going through financial hardship?

Could this ruin my credit rating?

 

[Will Gill]

They claim the cheque wasn't honoured by lloyd's (the solicitors bank) and it took a 'while' to let me know, I obviously was mildly miffed, I've raised a complaint and it's now ongoing.

Quite frankly ridiculous

 

[Will Gill]

Have you contacted the solicitor directly? I’d do that too.

Just did that, they said the cheque was re-requested in May and sent directly to LV (my insurer)

Now waiting to hear what they have to say, either way I shall be contesting the outcome should it rule against me