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Huge twist after woman finds $1 billion in her bank account

A woman who went to withdraw $20 from an ATM was shocked to see nearly $1 billion sitting in her account.

While some might be delighted to see $999,985,855.94 ($A1,320,087,328) in their bank account, Julia Yonkowski told WFLA she was "horrified"

Ms Yonkowski, from the US state of Florida, said she knew the money wasn't hers.

Julia Yonkowski tried withdrawing $20 from her bank account, she then thought she had nearly $1 billion sitting in there. Source: Getty Images
Julia Yonkowski tried withdrawing $20 from her bank account, she then thought she had nearly $1 billion sitting in there. Source: Getty Images

"I’ve read stories about people that took the money or took out money, and then they had to repay it and I wouldn’t do that anyway because it’s not my money," she said.

"It kind of scares me because you know with cyber threats. You know, I don’t know what to think."

She said she tried to withdraw $20 from the machine, but was told doing so would cause an overdraft and she would be charged.

However, it turns out Ms Yonkowski never had the near-billion amount in her bank account, as the balance was actually negative.

Julia Yonkowski's bank account was actually frozen and she didn't have close to $1 billion in there. Source: WFLA
Julia Yonkowski's bank account was actually frozen and she didn't have close to $1 billion in there. Source: WFLA

A representative from Chase Bank explained to WFLA the negative balance is a fraud prevention method used when an account is frozen.

Ms Yonkowski shared that bank account with her late husband and when she tried to withdraw the $20 her account was flagged.

To avoid a freeze on an account, people must fill out a series of documents in situations like Ms Yonkowski's.

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