This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
On May 31, a bank teller mistakenly deposited $11 million into the bank account of Robert and Tiffany Williams, a couple living in Pennsylvania, US. Instead of contacting the bank about the error, the couple allegedly spent the money in two and a half weeks between June 3 and June 19.
According to officials, the couple used the money to buy an SUV, two four-wheelers, a camper, and a car trailer. They also used the funds to cover bills, car repairs, make cash purchases, and even gave $1.9 million to friends in need.
Once the bank realised its mistake, it transferred the $15.4 million to the right account. The lender then contacted Tiffany Williams on June 20 to inform her that she and her husband had to repay the $13.7 million in overdraft fees they had incurred.
The couple are now facing felony theft charges and have been released on $3.2 million bail.
Speaking to WWMT, officials said, "That is kind of shocking, with all the procedures the banks have set up, checking and double-checking and triple-checking there's no way anybody gets away with that stuff."
Neighbour Nate Weaver added, "I would check in with the bank first before I didn't anything, I`m not that dumb but some people do stupid things sometimes."
Robert Painton, another neighbour, said, "I would check in with the bank first before I didn't anything, I`m not that dumb but some people do stupid things sometimes."
On June 21, the bank called again, and Tiffany said she and her husband would work on a payment plan. However, the couple had no contact with bank representatives despite several attempts by the bank to contact them.
