Overpaid?

[chellie76]

What is the name of your state? Maryland
I received a letter from my former employee stating that they had over paid me by $407 on my last paycheck and they wanted it back. I have not worked for the company since 01/19/06. When I called to find out what was going on they said they hadn't received my termination paperwork from my supervisor in time for the final paycheck dated 01/31/06 to be deducted for time not worked. Also accordling to them, I received a incentitive check in late 02/06 that had actually been deducted by $300 to start the supposed payback of my overpaid time. Yet they still sent me $79 of the incentive pay! Do I have to pay them back for those funds? I was under the impression that it was my final check from 2 weeks held back. I do not have the funds to pay back. If I have no recourse can I pay back $1 every two weeks and not be sent to collection? Someone PLEASE HELP!!!! I really need to know where I stand legally.What is the name of your state?

 

[Beth3]

If they did indeed overpay you, then yes, you have to pay the money back. If you don't, they can go to court, get a garnishment and serve you and your current employer.

First, ask your employer for justification for the overpayment in writing. If, after reviewing that, you agree that they made a mistake and overpaid you, then contact the employer to see if you can work out some sort of repayment plan agreeable to both of you. I doubt $1 every two weeks is going to cut it though. At that rate, it will take you 17 years to pay off the debt.