ICBC bank surprises customers with “double pay”

Employees who receive their salary through Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) (ICBC) were recently surprised when they were unexpectedly given double pay. However, the extra pay was not a reward from the employer. Rather it was an error in the bank's system that resulted in the unexpected fortune.

A spokesperson from ICBC confirmed with Human Resources magazine an audit on 1 August discovered a system error, which had resulted in some customers being paid twice in their salary accounts. The bank stressed the error has not caused financial losses to customers as the extra money came directly out of the bank's funds.

According to the spokesperson, the bank has reached out to customers get them to return the extra payment made and they would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.

A legal expert has pointed out the extra pay does not belong to customers and refusal to return the money would constitute stealing.

The bank has also reported the case to The Hong Kong Monetary Authority.  The authority has requested the bank to submit an investigation report and to ensure customers do not endure any financial losses.

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