Internet intrigue
Question
My ex girlfriend emptied my bank account to pay her bills by accessing my account online. Is there any way I can get the money back from her?
Answer
If you don't think you can talk to your ex and come to some agreement about paying the money back then you can take her to the small claims court to try to reclaim it.
Going to the small claims court is not a guarantee of success because she can argue that you gave her the password to the account and allowed her full use of it. In addition, getting a judgement in your favour does not automatically mean you get your money back.
It is generally best to try to come to some sort of agreement out of court if possible. But if you do decide to go to court then you must make the claim within six years of the money being taken if you're in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or within five years if you're in Scotland.
You could alternatively report the money taken to the police as theft. But, again, the issue that you let her have access to your bank account is likely to arise.
It would be a good idea to go to your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) ,or a solicitor, to discuss what options are available to you in more detai,l and which are worth pursuing.
Updated: 12/04/2010
Question answered by CAB
