Imagine checking your phone and seeing a bank alert that your account has just been credited with $40,000 USD, money you never deposited. For many, this could feel like a miracle, an unexpected blessing. But for Khalifa M. Donzo, it was a test of character.
At exactly 13:15 GMT, Donzo walked into a bank in central Monrovia to make a routine deposit into his LRD account. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. After completing his transaction, he made his way to the Salafiya Mosque on Front Street for Zhour prayer.
After prayer, he casually checked his phone for a transaction alert, only to be met with a shocking discovery, his account had been mistakenly credited with $40,000 USD. This wasn’t just a minor banking error; this was a life-changing amount, a sum he had never owned in his lifetime.
For a brief moment, one might wonder: What if I kept it? Would they even notice? But for Donzo, the answer was clear. He verified his balance, confirmed the mistake, and without hesitation, headed straight back to the bank to return the money.
However, upon arrival, he faced another challenge, the bank had already closed for the day. Would this be a sign to walk away? Not for him. He approached the security guard, explaining the urgency of the situation. After some persistence and an earnest appeal, he was allowed inside.
Face to face with the teller who had made the mistake, Donzo explained what had happened. After verifying the error, the teller immediately corrected the transaction, removing the $40,000 USD from his account. The bank manager was informed, and they all expressed their profound gratitude for his honesty.
For Donzo, the real reward was not the money, but the fulfillment of doing what was right. His values, shaped by his parents and faith, guided his actions. He believes that a mistake made by someone else should never become an opportunity for wrongdoing.
In a world where honesty is often overlooked, his actions serve as a reminder that integrity is priceless.
Now, ask yourself: If you were in his shoes, what would you have done?
