> In one instance, it froze thousands of pounds that had arrived into an account. “We blocked it and contacted the originating bank,” says Blomfield. “But that

> In one instance, it froze thousands of pounds that had arrived into an account. “We blocked it and contacted the originating bank,” says Blomfield. “But that bank [one of the biggest UK players] said it was all fine. Then it rang a few days later to say it looked like the customer had been conned. Luckily, we were able to return the money.” I wonder how often it happens that the bank simply keeps the money it froze, either telling nothing to the originating bank, or telling the originating bank that the money has been transferred or withdrawn. For two banks that rarely deal with each and are in different countries, what can the originating bank possibly do other than take whatever the receiving bank says at face value?