Q: Handling salary overpayments after termination
I recently noticed that my former employer has been continuing to deposit salary payments into my bank account even after I was let go about two months ago. I have accrued almost $7000, and I'm unsure how to handle these funds. I've tried contacting the local office of the company, but no one answers. I've only attempted direct calls, not to the corporate number. There was no severance package or agreement for additional payments after termination. Should I consider blocking these deposits with my bank, and what should I expect regarding the return of these funds?
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A:
It's important not to block the deposits right away. Instead, it’s best to keep track of the overpayments while you work on resolving the situation. The company may eventually notice the mistake and ask for the money back. Blocking the deposits could complicate things further and may even cause confusion or delays if the company later contacts you.
You should try contacting the corporate office, not just the local office, and explain the situation clearly. If you're unable to reach anyone by phone, consider following up with an email or formal letter. Keep records of all attempts to get in touch, as this can help protect you if the company requests the money back later.
If the company does contact you about returning the funds, be prepared to repay the overpayments. It's common for companies to recover overpaid wages, but they may offer a payment plan or other options. The best approach is to work with them cooperatively while ensuring that you don't give up the money prematurely if they haven't yet acknowledged the mistake.
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