Travel money wrong rate

[nigelf1234]

Hi
Just wanted your opinions on the following:
On Saturday, I went get some pounds changed into Euros; one travel agent had an offer that if they were a worse rate than the Post Office they give you twice the difference, effectively increasing the rate. I asked for this deal & their computers weren't working, so I was told 400 Euros that's �292 please. I paid in full & gave my details (as you have to do now, money laundering regulations). They then rang to say, oh sorry we've worked it out wrongly please come back & give us the difference back. Said I couldn't come in anyway for a couple of weeks, but are they actually entitled to ask for the difference back; it wasn't fraud and it is their mistake. Any thoughts would be welcome. Many thanks in advance.

[dzug]

I think probably (and only probably) yes - the contract was to calculate the exchange rate in a particular way. An arithmentical error was made in that calculation, which ought to be correctible

[Buenchico]

Yes, they can demand that you refund money paid to you in error.

In the first instance their mistake only creates a civil debt. But if you deliberately hang on to the money you're then committing a criminal offence (under the Theft Act 1968).

Chris