What Should You Do If You Find Money in an ATM Cash Tray?

Imagine you’re at an ATM, and as you approach, you notice there’s money left in the cash tray. What do you do? Do you pocket the cash, or do you try to find the rightful owner? This is a situation that many people may find themselves in, and it’s important to know the right course of action. In this article, we’ll explore what you should do if you find money in an ATM cash tray.

Is It Legal to Take the Money?

While it may be tempting to take the money, it’s important to remember that just because the money is unattended, it doesn’t mean it’s free for the taking. In many jurisdictions, taking money that you know belongs to someone else could be considered theft. Even if you’re not caught in the act, ATMs have cameras that could potentially identify you later.

What Should You Do?

If you find money in an ATM, the best course of action is to turn it in. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Don’t leave the ATM: Stay where you are and check if there’s anyone nearby who might have forgotten their money.
• Contact the bank: If the ATM is attached to a bank, go inside and report the found money to a bank official. If the ATM is standalone, call the number on the ATM to report the found money.
• Turn in the money: Give the money to the bank official or follow the instructions given by the person you spoke to on the phone.

What If You Can’t Contact the Bank?

If the ATM is not attached to a bank and you can’t get through to the number on the ATM, the next best step is to contact your local police department. They can take the money and make a report, which could help in returning the money to its rightful owner.

What Happens Next?

Once you’ve turned in the money, it’s up to the bank or the police to try and find the rightful owner. They may be able to use ATM transaction data or surveillance footage to identify who withdrew the money. If the owner can’t be found, the money may be donated to a charity or it could possibly be returned to you, depending on local laws and regulations.

In conclusion, if you find money in an ATM, the right thing to do is to turn it in. Not only is this the legal course of action, but it’s also the most ethical. Remember, the money you find could be someone’s rent, grocery money, or savings. By turning it in, you’re doing your part to help it get back to its rightful owner.