Pokerstars online poker, credited me my cashout twice & are now asking for one back, what is the legal stance?

Question

I made a cashout from this site for $300 to my Barclaycard Visa around 23rd October last year. Then today 10th march 2007 they send me this email: "It has recently been brought to our attention by our processors that a batch of around 100 cashouts sent to them for processing around 20-23 October was re-submitted and therefore processed again on 23 November.
This resulted in you being credited twice in respect of the following (Transaction No**** for $300/£159) Your PokerStars account is in good standing but we would appreciate
your co-operation in repaying this money. Please confirm how you wish to go about settlement of this overpayment. We will not debit your account without prior notification and we can arrange for you to cover the amount in instalments. All the very best and thank you in advance for your understanding in this matter"
Can they take this money from my card without my permission? I am from UK.
Surely they are at fault as they submitted it twice or processor did?

Answer 1

The fact of the matter is, PokerStars is not going to take legal action or make a fuss over such a small amount. It is not worth doing anything to hurt you such as reporting you to a debt collection agency, or putting information on your credit report.



In all likelihood, you got lucky and you now have some extra money. Of course, they are never going to let you play on their site again until you pay them back. They may even report you to other major sites.



Since PokerStars is one of the best sites out there, I would never choose to alienate them over such a tiny amount of money. You get £159, and a life long ban from their web site. Is that really worth £159? If it is, then refuse to respond to them, and hope they don't black list you with other sites too, or your online poker days may be over.



Of course you should also consider that what you are doing is stealing and is therefore immoral, just in case morality and integrity are important to you.

Answer 2

If they made a mistake (and they admitted it was a mistake) then they are entitled to reclaim the funds.



As far as I am aware they can't debit your card without your permission, but legally they can reclaim the money, probably through a court.



Personally, I would be honest and give them the money back. It could be someone's job on the line.....

Answer 3

i would say as they gave you the money. The companys do tell lies however about matters such as they can have the money back. Its like going into a shop buying something which has £5 on the label but it actually goes through at £10, they must sell it you at £5 because thats the price you thought you were paying.

Answer 4

Notify the card company that you are disputing the deduction unless they can confirm the double credit. If the double credit is confirmed they are entitled to their money back.

Answer 5

I don't know the laws in the U.K. I do know that in the U.S., you would probably have to pay the money back.



It would be like your bank crediting your deposit twice. They are allowed human error. They get their money back.