Money Moral Dilemma: Should I tell my employer I've been overpaid?

MSE_Sarah

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I’ve been overpaid this month by mistake. Should I own up or put it down to good luck and trouser it?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply!

[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

barginpleasure

My 10p. Karma. Maybe they know. Maybe they will find out but you could plead ignorance. Just don't spend it!

elsien

Oh !!!!!!. Really, MSE?

BorisThomson

Do the team make these questions up when it's a slow news day?

karcher

elsien wrote: »

Oh !!!!!!. Really, MSE?

I'll second that!...with bells on!

nicechap

karcher wrote: »

I'll second that!...with bells on!

I'll third that.

Don't they ever do a search on threads that already pose their question and see what responses have already been given?

karcher

nicechap wrote: »

I'll third that.

Don't they ever do a search on threads that already pose their question and see what responses have already been given?

Don't be daft..that would mean actually doing some 'Research'!

Seems to me current generation 'researchers' just regurgitate and feel very proud of themselves for doing so.

ETA re your sig: Quote wasn't far wrong.

[Deleted User]

Own up. What would you do month 2 when the same thing happens? I know someone who's legs gave way in that worst kind of feeling finding out how many (nearly 6) months later they'd come to owe the company over a grand as their's wasn't a one off. Seeing them upset wasn't a pretty sight. The company wanted every penny back and I'm surprised they kept their job (though they did) they had the option of working the time back.. or a monthly repayment plan.

Question how the mistake has come about? Ask the company to improve their recording of staff times by all means if you have to as well. I urge you. It might be you find your the one mistaken thenso happy days so always best to get it checked.

Could also effect pension contributions in a domino effect? So you run much more chance of being discovered.

Anyicaleb

What if they've set you up for an integrity test. I wonder how much extra they've paid you that will make you loose your trust and integrity. Simply return the money because honesty pays. You'll thank me later. Cheers!

Mookii

Many years ago, I got out of the habit of checking my pay slip, I checked my bank account to see if my wages had gone in (sometimes they were a day early or late). As my wages were pretty much the same every month, I didn't pay any attention (I had a part time contract and did regular over time).
Fast forward about 6 months or so (time escapes me) and the deputy manager calls me in, and asks if my wages had been correct. I had mentioned that I hadn't checked my wages but my checked my bank and they came out at £***. I said I could bring in my unopened wage slips if there's a problem. She said there was no need, but I had been overpaid.
Fear filled my head as I was now wondering how much I had to pay back and by when, as I was currently supporting myself and partner who wasn't working at the time. Luckily for me, she had said the amount wasn't huge, and as long as I didn't tell a soul, she would let it slide, but has already sorted the issue out, so my wages will be different.
This is a long winded post to say, don't hide away an over payment, you probably won't be as lucky as me.

tho_2

Yes. Because you'll either have a massive cut of your wage next month or get sacked. Win.