I work for a university, and noticed on my paystub that they are paying me for 40 hours when I only worked 12. I called the department and they insist that they didn't make an error. So do I just keep the money?
I think the person who made the mistake is afraid to admit it, for fear of getting in trouble.
2007-08-31 04:12:56 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I spoke with 2 different people in the department and both denied the error.
2007-08-31 04:21:32 · update #1
You've made honest, practical steps to sort the problem out (more than I would have done if I'm honest about it)- and they've told you they aren't in error, and in effect, that they don't want it. keep hold of it till the end of the financial year.
2007-08-31 04:19:22 · answer #1 · answered by miserable old git 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
How can they deny the error when the clear difference in hours worked is present on the pay stub??? Who did you talk to, the clerks or the accountant???
Even though they are denying it now, the error will come out during the state audit. You will be contacted, forced to replace the money, and your honesty will be questioned forever. Keeping the money that were handed to you in error is the same as stealing it yourself. People do get charged with that.
2007-08-31 12:16:23 · answer #2 · answered by OC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In cases like this, it is not uncommon for them to deny the error at first, and then find it months later and suddenly present you with a bill for what you owe them (and yes, you would legally be responsible for paying it back, likely with interest, and they could send you to collections if you didn't).
The best thing to do in this situation is to set that money aside in another account and do NOT spend it, nor should you let this issue go. Keep records of who you talked to, and talk to the finance department who is directly responsible for cutting the check and insist on returning the money.
If they still insist on denying that there is an error, get their statement IN WRITING that they acknowledge that they paid you correctly and that they release you from any future responsibility of paying back any difference on the particular check they gave you, should they later discover an error in their accounting. That will shield you from them coming after you later.
2007-08-31 11:24:41 · answer #3 · answered by Vangorn2000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take your paystub in and ask to have someone look it over with you. Then if they still insist it is correct have them put it in writing or they may deduct the pay from a later check if they decide (or the person who made the mistake is caught) it is incorrect. You may want to actually speak with somone above the person you think made the mistake. It's best to deal with it now since you weren't expecting that much money than to have them take it away later when you are expecting it.
2007-08-31 11:26:32 · answer #4 · answered by misslepew 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you questioned it, and two people denied there was an error, then part of me says that you have done your part.
The other part of me says return the money and get a receipt for it.
The department would then know just how honest you are and it will make you an even more valued employee.
2007-08-31 11:22:42 · answer #5 · answered by Leah 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely. Keep the money. I actually respect you for doing the right thing and telling them. I would have kept it from the beginning. Well no harm done, keep the money.
Note: You had no legal obligation that I know of to contact them. You have every right to keep the money and the can not deduct it from future checks and can not make you pay the money back.
Keeping the money is not the same as stealing and you can not be charged with a crime.
2007-08-31 11:25:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Return the money and get a receipt for it. When the mistake gets realized, you will be forced to return it anyways. It is also a moral issue. It would make it look like you are not an honest person since the difference in hours paid is significant and not just "overlooked".
2007-08-31 11:21:38 · answer #7 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep the money in your account and don't spend it. In about 6 months they will realize the error and request it back. I wuld also check the paystub to see if you were getting credited for something else such as overtime or a raise.
2007-08-31 11:25:29 · answer #8 · answered by rachel b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would at least go there in person and get this in writing! You would not want something to come up down the road and then your stuck with having to cough the money back up, or worst yet, not even getting a pay check until the amount has been made up.
2007-08-31 11:23:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is very interesting...you pretty much did everything I would have done.
But one thing, I believe in documentation with matters like this...keep an accurate record of all the probing you have currently done. Like who you spoke with and when, plus what their response was. People, dates and times are very vital. It might seem a bit much, but this will be beneficial if it ever comes up that you were paid 18 hours more than you actually worked.
Bottom line: c.y.a (Cover Your @ss)
And finally girl take your extra cheddar and just enjoy it....feel good that you have exhausted all your possibilities, and keep that documentation....it will pay off. Don't get caught up with who dropped the ball, just be grateful they dropped it in your account!!!!
2007-08-31 11:37:36 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Send them a letter by registered post stating that you were overpaid.
You will have documented proof that you informed them if it ever comes back to haunt you. Then just stop worrying about it. If they discover the error later they will dock your pay then for the error, if not consider it a bonus for their stubbornness.
g-day!
2007-08-31 11:33:12 · answer #11 · answered by Kekionga 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋