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A man from Palmas, in Tocantins, once again gained prominence in the national press after going to court asking for a reward of more than R$13 million for having returned a millionaire amount received by mistake. In June 2023, driver Antônio Pereira do Nascimento received R$131.8 million in his account after a banking error, an amount far above his financial reality. As soon as he realized the situation, he informed the bank and returned the amount in full.
Resident of Palmas returned the amount in full after a banking error and claims the right provided for in the Civil Code for having acted in good faith/Photo: Reproduction
Despite having acted proactively and honestly, Antônio decided to take legal action against the banking institution that committed the error. In the petition, he requests 10% of the total that was deposited by mistake, which corresponds to R$13,187,022, in addition to R$150,000 for moral damages, claiming that the episode caused inconvenience and unwanted exposure.
The defense’s argument is based on articles 1,233 and 1,234 of the Civil Code, which deal with the right to a reward for anyone who returns something of value that was found or received without being their property. These legal provisions provide for a minimum reward of 5% of the refunded amount, as a way of compensating those who act correctly.
According to the action, in addition to the return, the driver faced embarrassing situations and emotional shocks resulting from the wide repercussion of the case. The defense claims that he was initially seen as suspicious and even pressured by bank representatives to undo the transaction, which would have had a psychological impact.
Now, the Palmas Court will analyze whether Antônio’s requests have legal support applicable to the case, especially whether a bank deposit made in error can be equated to the “lost thing” provided for in the Civil Code. The decision must be followed carefully, as it may set a precedent in similar cases involving transfer errors and rewards for honesty.
Globo News
