What I find spoopy about this story is not why they got the wrong account number, why they froze her account (she used some of the money after all), nor why it's taking so long to put things right; it's who is the IRD paying $12,000,000 to? That's an oddly round number if you ask me. Not the kind of number to pay an invoice, or refund a tax over-payment etc.

Auckland woman mistakenly paid $12 million by Inland Revenue

Janika ter Ellen

An Auckland woman got a huge shock when she found an extra $12 million in her bank account.

Inland Revenue admits it accidentally overpaid her with cash meant for another customer.

The unintended recipient has now found she is unable to access her own money.

Savana Taihia started to suspect something was wrong when a routine visit to the bank turned into what she says was an interrogation.

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"They kept asking me, was I expecting funds from IRD - and how much?" she told Newshub.

She was expecting a tax rebate and had happily just received a $12,000 windfall.

"They were like, well you've got $12 million in your account," she said.

Joy turned to shock as she realised she'd misread her bank statement - and had been paid $12 million, not $12,000.

IRD refused to be interviewed, but in statement admits the $12 million overpayment is their mistake.

They say it was a case of human error, and the money has now been pulled from Taihia's account and paid into the right one.

IRD say they've since tightened their processes to stop it happening again.

The problem is, not all the money could be pulled back.

Taihia already used $1000 to pay bills, and gave $1000 to her parents as her father faces major heart surgery.

But now, she says her account has been frozen.

And she's relying on family for transport, because she can't get to a bank branch during her long day as a childcare worker.

Taihia's cousin Doniele says it's taking a toll on her.

"She can't access it. She's not able to get to work 'cause she can't get any funds out."

Taihia is upset because she says ANZ is asking her to re-pay that money - and she can't.

Her account has also been frozen, so right now she can't get any cash out or use her cards.

ANZ wouldn't answer questions about the case, citing customer privacy.

All Taihia wants is a personal apology and explanation.

Newshub.

http://archive.is/LlyPM

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/05/auckland-woman-mistakenly-paid-12-million-by-inland-revenue.html