Paid in error by agency?!?!

[xXMADDIEXx]

I have a little problem with an employment agency...

 

At the start of this year I was made redundant and signed up to several employment agencies including the one in question.

 

I recieved a phone call from this agency in May saying they had "mistakenly paid £241 into my bank account" and "while it is our mistake we would like this money back"

 

I checked and the money was in my acc. I also recieved a wage slip stating this amount and that I had paid tax and national insurance.

 

For better or worse I used this money to pay towards some of my bills that had built up over the 4 months unemployment. The state of things now is this: I have recieved a letter apparantly from solicitors demanding this amount back by the 28th or proceedings will be comenced.

 

My attitude is that I have never worked a single day for them, I never asked for this money and as it was their error dont see why I should pay. Legally where do I stand and what is the likelyhood of other agencies giving me the cold shoulder in the future?

 

Thanks in advance!

[barracad]

Legally where do I stand

 

Theft Act 1968

 

I think the above clears up where you stand legally. It's not your money. End of.

 

 

You need to pay it back. If you can't afford to pay it back in one lump sum you need to make arrangements to do so. As they originally asked for it back two months ago I suggest you do this sooner rather than later.

[Conniff]

You have to pay it back.

 

It is not yours and will 'never' become yours.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about other agencies giving you the cold shoulder, I would worry more

about a court summons if you refuse to repay it.

[TETSUO]

I would acknowledge what has happened and offer to pay them what you can afford in istallments.

 

But, as everyone else has said. the money wasn't yours and must be paid back.