Being overpaid

[TracyG]

I know somebody who left their job and the following month received her full salary in error. She spent it and when the company contacted her to ask for it back (as she knew they would), she claimed she hadn't noticed it had been credited to her account and couldn't afford to pay it back. She fought her corner, and it took months of correspondence, and she is now paying back the debt at £1 a month.

I wouldn't go that far, but if I was paid twice by an insurer (or similar), I don't think I'd be calling them up in a hurry to let them know their mistake, and like Chutzpah, I hand things in and give the money back when given too much change (so I'm not a bad person, or a criminal). I am really starting to question my way of thinking on this one.

[Chutzpah]

I honestly believe the key here is not spending it. If they then notice their error you can give it back quickly and easily... and stay within the law.

I should reiterate that up until the point they ask for it back you are NOT breaking the law in anyway - you break the law when you refuse to pay it back (as the woman in Tracy's example did)