So... some genius just refunded me for a court imposed fine!

So, a few months back I was forced to pay a fine, imposed by a magistrate, for a minor traffic infringement... lets just leave it at that.

Anyway... The fine was $700 including $79 for court costs, I reluctantly paid the fine and thought that was the end of it... But imagine my surprise... 2 days ago I received a check in the mail for $779 from from the court services... quite the dilemma, yeah?

On the one hand, its almost 2 weeks of mortgage repayments and I could seriously really use the money... On the other hand, its probably just a mistake, due to the complete incompetence of the bureaucracy in general...

So pop quiz hotshot, whatta you do?

Cash the check, or start ringing random government organisations, to try and convince them they've made a horrible mistake, by reimbursing you your hard earned dollars... which by the way, you could seriously use, atm... cause those damn bills are a relentless and just keep on coming...

a reply to: Subaeruginosa


Send it to me and I'll handle the bookkeeping error gratis.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

I would personally find out if it is indeed a mistake or maybe there is a genuine reason they are refunding you. If they sent it in error they will eventually come back for it and you may be in a worse situation to pay it.

I don't think they accidentally issue checks.
Maybe throw it in savings for a bit.

originally posted by: Subaeruginosa
So, a few months back I was forced to pay a fine, imposed by a magistrate, for a minor traffic infringement... lets just leave it at that.

Anyway... The fine was $700 including $79 for court costs, I reluctantly paid the fine and thought that was the end of it... But imagine my surprise... 2 days ago I received a check in the mail for $779 from from the court services... quite the dilemma, yeah?

On the one hand, its almost 2 weeks of mortgage repayments and I could seriously really use the money... On the other hand, its probably just a mistake, due to the complete incompetence of the bureaucracy in general...

So pop quiz hotshot, whatta you do?

Cash the check, or start ringing random government organisations, to try and convince them they've made a horrible mistake, by reimbursing you your hard earned dollars... which by the way, you could seriously use, atm... cause those damn bills are a relentless and just keep on coming...

Maybe the lampost admitted to being drunk at the time...a technical offence then!

a reply to: JAGStorm

I've got proof of the original payment I made and also scanned the copy of the perfectly legitimate and legal check they sent me... so if it did end up being a mistake on their part, wouldn't that 'legally' be their problem and not mine?

Cash the check. Shut your mouth. Might want to keep those funds in reserve for a bit just in case someone comes asking about it.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

Bet it on black?

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

People have tried that logic when ATM's accidentally shoot out tons of mistaken money. In the end, they never get to keep the windfall.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: Subaeruginosa


Send it to me and I'll handle the bookkeeping error gratis.

Yeah, whatever dude... I'm still waiting for that gofundme account you claimed you were gonna set up a few years ago, to solve all of those first world problems I was dealing with...

Luckily, I never held my breath...

keep the cash .
nice of them to send your money back to you .

put it in savings for a month, and if nobody comes looking for it, spend it all on very expensive bourbon, then invite me over.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

So pop quiz hotshot, whatta you do?

Wait a while, then check to see if records show you are payed or still owe.

That would be a dirty trick on their part, but you want to be sure before cashing that check.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

Whatever you do, don't cash it until you get clarification on why it was sent to you. Could be you misunderstood the fine amounts. Or they were incorrectly conveyed to you.

Call the clerk and go from there. Document everything.

originally posted by: Subaeruginosa

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: Subaeruginosa


Send it to me and I'll handle the bookkeeping error gratis.

Yeah, whatever dude... I'm still waiting for that gofundme account you claimed you were gonna set up a few years ago, to solve all of those first world problems I was dealing with...

Sounds like you're still dealing with first world problems.

Maybe they could not link it to an actual case so the standard procedure is to send back the cash as a check.

I would call and ask, in the end, you could be still "in debt" with them. I had a similar thing happen to me when I paid my landowner taxes but mistyped a number. Even though, it´s the same name on the bank details, they had to send it back.

When I called, they said I´m still owing the tax and then it was quickly resolved. Could not keep the money.

It is a gift from the universe, it happens sometimes, it's happened to me...

Look up to the sky, say thank you and cash the check.

Send it back. Getting blood from a stone always leave you bloodied.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

Did you get a receipt for said payment ?
If so...your paid in full my friend.
Enjoy your 779!

I see most people have given the advice already but find out why the money was sent to you first. The court will find a way to get it back if it was sent in error, by garnishee order or otherwise.