Posted by MelissaCT on 8/2/07 10:05pm
Msg #203688

What would you do - *Accusigning*

Received check for more than billing was for. Would cashing the check & issuing them a refund for overpayment be an option? Or, do I try to contact them & wait for a corrected check to be sent, then send back the incorrect one?

Feels like a trick to *still* avoid proper payment. It was only 2 invoices, nothing to get confused about in the amount due -- I even sent a statement with total amount due listed!

Am I being hosed?

Reply by John_NorCal on 8/2/07 10:15pm
Msg #203691

It seems like a simple thing for me. If the check was for more than what you are owed and you have no other invoices to credit this against, then you need to send them a refund just like any other business. I would not send the check back to them, I would cash it and issue a refund check, it's done all the time. Does that answer your question?

Reply by spnotaryplus on 8/2/07 10:16pm
Msg #203692

That's a good one. And you're probably going to get a bunch of mixed opinions on it. However I am a firm believer in not giving anyone the opportunity to say I was dishonest. We complain when they cheat us of money and we praise them when they do good with payments. We can't complain if we give them reason to say the same thing about us.

I would call them and inform them of the mistake and as always we as NSA's log everything and so write down who you spoke to about it and what they said.

My 2 cents

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 8/2/07 11:08pm
Msg #203696

That sounds great. BUT I agree with John_NorCal. I believed that we must set the example, and it has bit me it the rear a couple of times. No more! Now when I am over paid, I cash the check and issue a refund. Keeps my life much simpler. Plus my bookkeeping too!

Reply by Sandra Gomez on 8/3/07 1:01pm
Msg #203809

Lucky you I finally gave up trying to get them to pay me for 3 signings. I worked on for about
1 year. faxed confirmations etc. and never did get the money. I'll never work for them again.
What goes around comes around.

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/3/07 3:34am
Msg #203705

Definitely don't return the check

As bad as their reputation is you're probably lucky to have the one you got.

The right thing to do would be to send them a check for the refund, but I'd make em wait as long as you had to wait for them. Put a reminder in Outlook to send a check 2 months from now

Or just donate it to whatever fund is set up for the victims of the bridge collapse and buy them some good karma.

Reply by Lee/AR on 8/3/07 6:44am
Msg #203712

Re: Definitely don't return the check

Cali's right...well, except for that karma business--tho' I DO like that. Cash it, wait 'til it absolutely clears... and this doesn't go as fast as we are led to believe... so you're perfectly justified in waiting quite a while before sending them the refund of overage.

Reply by Sharon Taylor on 8/3/07 6:45am
Msg #203713

Cash check & promptly send them the difference

Because of their payment problems, I would not return the check. I would instead cash it, make sure it clears, and then promptly send them my check for the difference along with an explanatory note that I hadn't noticed the overpayment until reviewing my records. IMHO, if you "sit" on the refund of the overpayment once you realize it is an overpayment, it would be morally wrong, and possibily legally wrong too.

Reply by Sharon Taylor on 8/3/07 6:49am
Msg #203715

Cash the check and promptly send your check for overpmt

Only because of their payment record, I would cash the check, make sure it clears, and then promptly send them a check for the difference along with an explanatory note that I had been reviewing my records and just realized they had overpaid me.

Reply by Sharon Taylor on 8/3/07 6:51am
Msg #203718

Sorry for double post - didn't think the other went through

It's way too early in the AM for me!

Reply by MelissaCT on 8/3/07 8:16am
Msg #203735

Thank you -- that's what I was thinking, but wasn't sure of

legalities in cashing a check for more than owed & then issuing a separate check for refund. Maybe I'm paranoid, but what if I send the refund check, they decide not to cash it, claiming they didn't receive it, then try to get me for knowingly cashing a check for more than owed.

I'm probably over-analyzing & will probably send a refund check via priority mail (after ensuring this one has fully cleared) where a tracking number can be assigned. Just for the paper-trail.

Thanks for your thoughts, I hate when I second-guess myself!!

Reply by John_NorCal on 8/3/07 8:47am
Msg #203744

You ARE over analyzing this......

Just cash the check, make sure it clears as others have pointed out and then send your check for a refund. It happens all the time in every legitimate business and you don't need to spend any extra money on priority mail, etc. You are not breaking any laws, moral or otherwise if you mail a check in good faith.

Reply by SharonMN on 8/3/07 10:33am
Msg #203782

I would issue them a credit...

Cash the check, then send them a statement at the end of the month showing a credit. They can either call you for another signing or ask for a refund. That's what most large companies do. Unless you don't intend to work for them again - then send the refund.

Reply by Lee/AR on 8/3/07 11:07am
Msg #203789

Sharon, that is undoubtedly the BEST way to handle it!

Solves all the problems instantly. Very, very good. And I'm very, very disappointed in myself for not thinking of what is, in fact, the best BUSINESS procedure.

Reply by Michele Alcala on 8/22/07 9:55pm
Msg #207133

You're lucky you got a check. I would cash it and run. I did a job for them July 06. Still have not been paid. What a joke.