So should I give back this check?

[Capn]

Now I'm going to give it back, just because it's the right thing to do. However, hypothetically if I didn't want to keep my job.

About a week ago I got a random check from my employer for $3700. Didn't know what it was for, just a check in the mail. I pretty much knew it was a mistake, but in the back of my mind I wanted it to be a housing reimbursement or something. Today my boss tells me accounting calls him and they sent the check to me by mistake. (that's kind of a large mistake don't you think) Now, of course they could now stop payment on the check. But, if I had cashed it last week does the company have a legal claim over the money?

 

[Murpheeee]

maybe it was a test to see if you told them about it.......now they are going to fire you

 

[vi edit]

I do believe that they could have legally been entitled to asking for it back.

 

[StageLeft]

<< I do believe that they could have legally been entitled to asking for it back. >>

 

[olds]

<<

<< I do believe that they could have legally been entitled to asking for it back. >>

>>


Next time it happens, deposit it in your savings account. When they ask for it back and they will, give it back but keep the interest you got from it.

 

[TomC25]

Besides the bad feeling I would have of taking money that is not rightfully mine, I don't think $3700 is worth losing my job.

 

[kranky]

Unfortunately, you didn't bring it up first. You would look a lot better in their eyes if you had.

 

[Capn]

RE: looking good in their eyes. I don't really think it matters. This is a temp job until August when I go back to grad school for my PHD. So maybe longterm there might've been some effect, but I doubt it.

 

[manly]

<< Next time it happens, deposit it in your savings account. When they ask for it back and they will, give it back but keep the interest you got from it. >>


Wow, a dime in pure profit. How risque!

 

[GMachine]

<<

<< Next time it happens, deposit it in your savings account. When they ask for it back and they will, give it back but keep the interest you got from it. >>


Wow, a dime in pure profit. How risque! >>



LOL, werd. Everyone's a damn financial genious on all these forums for some reason.

 

[mikebb]

If you don't give it back, they'll probably just stop paying you until you're even. Of course, you could always quit

 

[RossMAN]

I would give it back immediately. Not only does it not look that you didn't report this error first, if you had cashed it - perhaps they could have garnished your wages?

 

[yourharddrive]

you shoulda cashed it the day you got it and then told them u never recieved it

 

[XZeroII]

I would have cashed it, then when talking to them told them that you already spent it because you thought it was a bonus. It also depends on how large the company is. If it's GM, they can afford it. If it's a smaller place, give it back. Anyway, once they sign the check to you, doesn't that make it yours? I would hate it if somone could write a check to me, then 3 weeks later say they want it back and I would HAVE to give it back.

 

[kranky]

Those who say "keep the money" have no idea how things work in the real world. Would you guys really give up your job - and any chance of a good reference - for that?

 

[Yossarian]

XZeroII, are you kidding me? It doesn't matter how big the company is, when they find out you are legally obligated to give it back. Same as if a bank made an error and deposited $10k in your account... when they come looking for it, it had better be there