I was recently terminated for excepting reward money for a lost cell phone. Here is the short version. I found a cell phone on the road outside of my work. This road is shared by four other businesses and is frequently used by the high school cross country team and people for walking. I tried to figure the phone out but it was dead, so I took it home and charged it to inform the owner it had been found. The owner kept offering me money for the phone if I would allow her to pick it up immediately. Since she was only a few miles from my home I agreed she could get it. I didn't want her to have to drive the close to 20miles back to where I work the next day. She said there was important information and she needed the phone immediately. She offered me $200 for the return of the phone. I have a voicemail from her saying this as well that she will give me money. I handed her the phone and her boyfriend gave her $60 to hand to me. The next day at work I was called into the office and informed the lady whose phone it was ended up being a customer and had called to say I made her pay me for the return of the phone. When I explained that when she asked where the phone was found I explained in the road near my work and told her where I worked she said she couldn't figure out how it got there. I was terminated for excepting the money and told I should have known who she was. I would like to know if I can take legal action?

Hello Lisa:

It's true, you work for jerks... But, even jerks can fire you for that. Frankly, unless you're in a union or have an employment contract, they can fire you for ANY reason whatsoever.

So no, you have no legal recourse.

I would, however, argue my firing to the unemployment people so you can collect.

excon

I may disagree you have legal recourse against the lady who owned the cell phone.

If she offered you a reward, and then called and told the company you required her to pay, she lied.

So you should be able to sue her for lost earnings based on her actions.

If you can prove that she offered a reward, you might have a case against her. Its going to hinge on what the voicemail said.

Sorry.

Hello again, Lisa:

I agree with the Padre. In fact, I would go to your small claims court and file a slander, and defemation of character lawsuit against her for the MAXIMUM allowed in your jurisdiction.

Plus, I would include your former employer as a defendant. You may not win against HIM, but you should win against the liar. Your voicemail will nail her... I might even inform the press so as to bring pressure against your employer to settle your claim.

Go get 'em.

excon