Why would a company I don't work for pay me?

EllaBeagle

I went for an interview and induction last month but decided it wasn't for me as the hours were too awkward to fit around school and I'd be paying out more for childcare than I'd be getting from the job.

I let them know but at the end of last month they paid a small amount into my bank. I didn't think anything of it because quite a few years ago I was paid for attending an induction for the hours I was there and when I contacted the company they said everyone had had the hours spent at the induction added into their wage. Also the amount that was in my bank calculated against the hours I was at the induction worked out as my proposed hourly rate if that makes sense.

But I've just checked my bank and they've paid me again. I've rang the company and they've left a message for the lady who deals with this to ring me back today.

Just wondered if anyone has had any experience of this or why they would be paying me by mistake? I've worked in payroll for many years and I can't think of any reason why someone would be paying a person who never worked there. Its not a mistake you could easily make.

scheming_gypsy

Sounds like they didn't knock you off payroll when you 'left'

that's assuming that the induction was after you'd been offered the job and given them your bank details.

EllaBeagle

Yes I gave them my bank details and was all ready for starting the job.

Its a strange amount thats gone in today too and doesn't divide by what my hourly rate would've been