Made an error with account details, ebay doesn’t track or recall payments. Did I lost my payout?

[simurgh1987]

Hi, 

This is my first post here. With the recent changes in how eBay does payouts, I run into a problem. It would be fantastic if someone has any advice to share. 

When I was putting my bank account details, I made a mistake in a single digit, but the account was recognised as an HSBC one (mine is Monzo). 

I asked eBay for help before they issued the payout, but they advised me not to change anything as the payout should bounce back. Well, that didn't happen yet. The payout was processed and sent on the 17th of February and reads as "completed" on my account. Of course, I haven't received it as the account details are wrong. 

I called eBay help again, and they advised me there is nothing they can do and that I need to wait 30 days to see if the payout will bounce back. I contacted HSBC, and they told me if the account doesn't match, the payout will bounce back within 24hrs. eBay help insists that they cannot track or recall the payout, although this is a straightforward thing to do (a sender only needs to enquire about it through their bank). I asked if there is a possibility the funds will end up in somebody's else's account and that I will never receive it. eBay was very vague (at the end, they said that is a possibility). 

I find it very surprising that this is a policy. I mean, I cannot be the only person who made a mistake putting account details. Anyone had anything similar, any words of wisdom :)? (Or I should just accept that I might have lost £130). 

Thanks. 

[keelinge · Accepted solution]

It is likely it will bounce back as the name won't match. I had a similar experience in that my bank account had my initials but ebay had my full name. As the two didn't match money wouldn't transfer. It took 2-3days for it to ping back if that gives you an idea.

You will need to get your account changed ASAP as when the money comes back it will automatically be resent out to the initial account. It took me weeks but got sorted in the end. 

[simurgh1987 · Accepted solution]

Many thanks Keelinge. I have changed the payout method details yesterday, so hopefully it will work out at the end. I am wondering if it doesn't bounce back (or if I cannot get to know if it did), is there anything I can do. At the moment it seems I only can wait and see if I am lucky enough that the wrong account doesn't exist (match), or that the funds didn't bounced back already multiple times, so they are stuck somewhere. Thanks!

[redwick1]

Obviously it is not ebays fault and if the money has already been sent then ebay can not recall it if it has gone to someone elses account.

They can only send to the account number you gave them

It is between you and the bank and seller

I did think that nowadays the bank checked to make sure the persons name matched the account number.

It does take a while for  money to bounce back so you may be lucky.

I hope so as that is a lot of money to lose

[simurgh1987]

Thanks, Redwick! At this stage, this is only between eBay and me, as the buyer already paid, and it went to eBay, and then eBay sent it to me. These things happen, and one usually can track or recall payment. I am a bit surprised that eBay cannot do that. If I send a transaction to any bank account, I can very easily recall or track it. It doesn’t take more than 3-4 minutes.

[redwick1]

Ebay can not recall a payment once made. 

It should return to the send ( ebay ) once the bank has checked the account and name

[simurgh1987]

Yes, it seems they cannot either track or recall transactions, which I find a bit strange, but fair enough. As said it is a straightforward process, and it takes only a few minutes for me to do if I make a transaction via my online banking.

[le-1830]

Hi

I had a similar problem. A payment for £90.30 was made to a bank account which I dont recognise in January 2022 and I am still trying to get it back.

Ebay told me to go to my bank, armed with the payment number and speak to the manager, requesting that they send back the payment. Huh, I knew that was a waste of time and the manager refered me back to Ebay , saying that it is there responsibility to sort it out.

Not impressed but not giving up.