Getting overpaid. Should I tell payroll?

Nurses General Nursing

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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?!

Specializes in LTC, Acute care.

Do tell them, then they can tell you why they're paying you extra or they can correct it. God does not in any way encourage dishonesty...

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Back in the olden days I got a paycheck that paid me $400 an hour. Wow, that would have been nice! I could have retired! I reported it and returned the check.

Just this past year my husband got a paycheck that was wayyyyy over what he earned. He reported it and was told since it was their error, he could keep it, and they thanked him profusely for telling them about it so they didn't make the error again.

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Think of it this way... aside from the obvious fact it's just the ethical thing to do... you'd constantly be worrying if they were going to discover their mistake.

Being honest is the right thing to do and you'll feel better for it.

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If it really is a mistake, someone will notice eventually and it's likely you'll be asked to return the extra money at that point. You could end up in a lose/lose situation very quickly if you are suddenly asked for that money back and you've already spent it. They will know that you knew it was a mistake and did nothing, they weren't born yesterday! Do you want them to think you're dishonest?

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Before I went to nursing school, I worked in a furniture factory. When they went under I was able to go to school paid for by the government. The husband of a lady my wife works with also worked for this company. He quit a few years earlier. When he quit they sent him a check for what he had in his retirement. The check was for $50,000 more than what they owed him. He kept his mouth shut until they relized their error over a year later. They wanted him to pay back the money, but they had no legal recourse other than to sue him and go through a long drawn out legal battle. His lawyer told him he committed no crime by cashing the check. He said he didn't have the money and agreed to pay it back in installments interest free over 10 years. He made payments for about a year and a half when they filed for bankruptcy and closed. This was due to the executives looting the company for themselves. He never paid back any more money. When the company went down, they didn't care about all of the other employess who lost their retirement, vacation pay, sick time, ect... They owed me $1000. I always felt glad that at least this guy got one over on them. If I were you, I would put the money in the bank. If they notice their mistake, then I would pay it back. If not, then it's their fault. Big companies have no sympathy for the little person, why have sympathy for them.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

So, because you got screwed by some random company you're advocating for what amounts to theft?

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Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.

Audits are done and when they find the error, they will come back to you for the overage. Go fix it now.

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As a student nurse wouldn't you think you would have some sense on honestly? That's definitely a quality you should have going into then nursing profession.

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Specializes in Trauma, Emergency.

i totally understand trying to figure out different meanings a situation like this might allow for...like maybe God does want you to have fun...but a classmate said best the other day when she said "if you have to ask whether it's right or not, it probably isn't." the Lord does work in VERY mysterious ways, but I don't think He blesses one at the expense of another. Good luck, and have fun doin the summer camp thang! :D

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
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?!

Payroll will eventually catch the error...so you mine as well say something now before you realize that you not only didn't get paid at all, but if you do direct deposit, they will take money out of your checking account as well to make up for deficiencies.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

If you are truly being overpaid you need to tell them. What will happen is that if/when they find out they are going to want their money back. You are liable for the difference and if you have already spent the difference they will either demand repayment or take it out of your subsequent checks.

You have nothing to lose by telling. You will either bring the mistake to their attention early so that it can be corrected or they tell you that the paychecks are correct and the money is yours. As a PP said be sure to make sure they are taking taxes out. If they are not and you don't rectify it, it will be a nightmare come tax time.

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i'm sorry but why is this question even being asked???

leslie

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