Customers looking to take out cash at a Bank of America ATM in Houston, Texas were surprised when the machine started dispensing $100 bills by mistake. As word of the malfunctioning ATM spread, people from all over the area lined up for some free cash.
A large crowd formed by the ATM and some fights broke out as people waited for their turn at claiming the free money. The police were called to disperse the crowd and had to shut down the machine.
Officials from Bank of America explained that a worker had inadvertently put $100 bills into the machine, instead of $10 bills.
Usually, when an ATM dispenses extra money the customer is supposed to report it and turn over the cash. Sergeant Joshua Nowick told KPRC that a person could be arrested if they refuse to return the money when asked.
"There's no free lunch. If you receive money that you know it is not yours, and you refuse to give it back upon demand, you can, at the discretion of the district attorney, be charged with theft."
But, in this instance, the bank has decided to let the lucky customers keep the extra cash.