Is it wrongful termination??
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Is it wrongful termination??
I was fired because someone purchased something with a stolen card. The owner gave me 2 choices, to either pay it back or go to jail for fraud. I can’t afford either so he’s trying to make me sign my last check over to him.
Asked on September 24, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
1) Unless you have a written employment contract, you are an "employee at will" and may be terminated at any time, for any reason, including unfair ones, like a customer using a stolen credit card. If you don't have a written employment contract, you have no protection for your employment.
2) You can refuse to sign over you last check or otherwise repay your employer (though, as stated, he does have the right to fire you). If he feels you were at fault in this situation (e.g. failed to check ID or otherwise verify that the card was this person's) and wants the money, he could try to sue you (e.g. in small claims court). Only if he does sue and proves in court that it was your fault can you be forced to pay.
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