Overpayment?

Question

I changed jobs a few months ago, the company I used to work for accidentally continued to pay me for two months after I had left. They have now written to me admitting it was their fault but they are asking me to pay the money back. That's not a problem as I had realised and just left the money in my bank account. I just wondered if I am actually legaly obliged to pay them back?

Answer 1

Depends were you live.  You can always claim that it was a settlement payment that they deceided to pay you.

Answer 2

It's in good taste to pay them back.

Answer 3

The money is legally their money, however before you send it back to them, make sure that you are not getting taxed for it, and ask about the amounts that were deducted for taxes and the implications thereof on your income tax return.

Answer 4

Yep, you are.

Answer 5

Yes, it is stealing if you refuse to give it back!

Well, thievery would be a better word since you didn't actually  take it; however you are keeeping it and not giving it back to it's rightful owner. You would have no defense if it went to court. Depending on how much money it is you can get in lots of trouble if you don't pay it back.

Answer 6

It's like when the cashier gives you the wrong change...it's their mistake but it's still stealing if you don't give it back.  Plus it feels better to be good than bad......at least in cases like this   ;-)

Answer 7

Ask yourself this question: "What is the RIGHT thing to do?"

Have you EVER been sorry for doing the right thing?

If you don't pay it back, your credit can be affected if they turn it over to collection.

If you were an agent for an insurance company, if you owe money, it will be reported to the department of insurance. Any application for an agency with an insurance company will ask the question: "Do you owe any balances to any insurance company"?

If you answer "No", it will be found out, and you could be charged with fraudulently trying to apply for an agency with an insurance company.

Just pay the balance owed, and you will feel better for it.

Answer 8

Yes you are.

You did not work to earn that money. Therefore, you have to pay it back.