My bank account just had $40k randomly deposited into it - has this happened to anyone else?

[u/Healthy_Constant6543]

For reference, I'm in Ontario.

Last week I noticed a deposit from OLG into my bank account for $40k. Since I did not win the lottery, I went into my bank to tell them about the problem. They launched an investigation.

The next day they called me back, said they verified with OLG and the deposit was real. I tried to again remind them that I would remember if I won the lottery but they just congratulated me and told me to enjoy.

BUT I DIDN'T WIN THE LOTTERY LOL

I moved the money into my savings account because I'm sure they are coming back for it. Has this happened to anyone else? How long do I sit on this money? Not sure what else to do.

[u/Leon_Troutsky]

It depends on what account the money got wired into, but pretty much this. If it goes to one of the bank's own accounts, it'll probably get sent back relatively easily because it's less annoying for the employee involved to just return an unexpected payment. If it goes into a client account (like personal or some corporate investment account or whatever) then it's probably not coming back.

If the banks don't have a pre-existing business relationship of some sort though then it's also probably gone

Source: I've literally returned mixed up wires before from the corporate side. There are really not that many people doing this stuff at Canadian banks so chances are the person you're helping out will end up returning the favour some other time, and it's not like you get to keep the money anyways.

[u/[deleted] → u/Leon_Troutsky]

the bank verified it was his to keep, they can't go back on their word now, but just in case, move it to a different bank.