$33,000 richer after bank error

Westpac's mistake put tens of thousands more into Philip Senthi's unused savings account. Photo / Natalie Slade

A banking blunder by Westpac involving almost $50,000 left an Auckland man momentarily richer.

The bank yesterday said the mistake was caused by human error and apologised - but only after being contacted by the Herald.

Healthcare worker Philip Senthi was shocked to learn of the transaction which topped an unused savings account up to $49,863.01.

The total amount credited to his account was $33,408.22 because tax was deducted.

Westpac spokeswoman Liz MacIntyre said a staff member had accidentally keyed in Mr Senthi's account number when it should have been another customer's. The "rare" mistake had been rectified.

"It was a genuine human error ... The staff member who made the mistake has been spoken to and we're working with our staff to improve processes and service in this kind of area.

"Mr Senthi won't be out of pocket as a result of the error."

Mr Senthi said he was annoyed because it was "just another thing" he had to deal with after a string of personal problems which included being hit by a car. His dealings with Westpac had grown increasingly frustrating recently because of what he feels is a lack of service.

He was annoyed no one called him after he applied to extend his credit limit and said the bank noticed its mistake only after he lost his wallet and applied for a new credit card.

Mr Senthi admits using about $1600 of the money but replaced $1000 of it within days.

He had money in other accounts he was to replace the rest with.

However, in a conversation Mr Senthi recorded yesterday, which involved several attempts to get him not to talk to the Herald, Westpac offered him the full $1600 he used - as well as any interest accrued for the "unarranged overdraft".

Mr Senthi said he was still frustrated and wanted to change banks.

In May last year, a major mistake by Westpac hit the headlines.

Leo Gao, a Chinese national, and his Kiwi girlfriend, Cara Young, applied for a $100,000 overdraft but a bank worker added two zeros to the transaction, giving them $10 million.

The couple disappeared with about $3.8 million. They are still on the run.

Last week, Westpac customer Vikas Joneja wrote a cheque for $450 but a mistake by the recipient's bank, ASB, saw a "dash" mistaken for a "1" and $4501 was taken from his account.