Getting overpaid. Should I tell payroll?

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Hey everyone. I am a student nurse for the summer at a summer camp, and just received my first paycheck. It seems like they are significantly overpaying me each week from our initial agreement. On one hand, I feel like I should tell payroll because they are probably going to realize their mistake eventually and be disappointed that I wasn't up front about it when the first paycheck came. On the other hand, I'm thinking maybe God just wants me to have some extra fun this summer, and of course I could put the money to good use! What should i do?!

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You go to payroll and be honest. I'm not religious myself, but I know enough about religion and gods to know that none of them encourage dishonesty!

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I'm with the previous poster. Go to payroll because eventually an accountant will notice missing money and will investigate it. Will look much better if you bring it up to them vs their coming to you asking about it.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

since it is illegal for them to NOT pay you there may be a legal reason for you to notify them of mistakes. Would you like them to sue you for the backpay then give you a bad reference??

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.
Hey everyone. I am a student nurse for the summer at a summer camp, and just received my first paycheck. It seems like they are significantly overpaying me each week from our initial agreement. On one hand, I feel like I should tell payroll because they are probably going to realize their mistake eventually and be disappointed that I wasn't up front about it when the first paycheck came. On the other hand, I'm thinking maybe God just wants me to have some extra fun this summer, and of course I could put the money to good use! What should i do?!

Ask/tell them. Are you sure they simply are not taking out taxes? If so, you'll either want to change the witholding, or save the extra for Uncle Sugar, next April. ;)

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Consider this. I found a paycheck from a few years ago. Tried to cash it and the bank refused it. Called the former employer, was told they probably couldn't fix it. But they told me to return the check. It has been more than a month and the employer has not made good. See it from the employer's standpoint? They owe me wages but don't feel they need to pay me, even though I said I would go to the Labor Board.

I would have a talk with them to clear this up. Hopefully, you will find out that they decided your services are worth more in wages. Have a happy summer.

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I love honesty, I would tell them for sure.

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I would hope a good reference for someone new in this field would be worth more than a few extra dollars...

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Hi GMOTH,

I'm sure God really wants you to have "extra fun this summer" but not with money you may have gained dishonestly. The mere fact that you are asking the question, tells me you already know what you should do.

If it were me, I would go to payroll and explain the situation. You may even find that you were initially told the wrong starting pay and you ARE being paid at the correct rate.

Whatever the outcome, you're conscience will be clear and you're integrity intact! Dishonesty always comes back to bite you sooner or later. I hope this helps :) Good Luck!

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Specializes in LTC.

I think you know.

You shouldn't even ask...you should go and tell them.

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Thank you voices of reason. I am going to inform the secretary on the way out today. But despite all the conscience cleanliness this action brings, it is still going to sting.

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Actually if you're going to nurse, you need to start practicing moral and ethical values from now - you don't want to be posting the same question 3 years from now asking .."I gave the patient the wrong medication although it didn't harm him/her, should I tell my manager?!?!"....get my drift??

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