I started a new job in the beginning of July.

I started a new job in the beginning of July. Waited for my first paycheck. My Executive mailed me one week of pay and then another check for two weeks of pay. Neither showed up, we live in the same city. Then a few weeks later I received one week of pay. Went to the bank, deposited the check. It was returned because the bank thought it was "fraudulent"! That is what I was told! Finally after 7 weeks I was sent another check for the two weeks and the corporation sent me, through DD, two weeks of pay.

Back story here is that I think my Executive hired me too soon. I think the Executive was told not to hire me till the end of July. Hence the personal checks.

Possibly, the Executive doesn't have the money either! I love the job but I am still waiting for another check for one week of pay! My Executive has turned it around so that I don't trust the Executive! Well, I don't, but there are a few other red flags. The Executive has no respect for me nor have I received one week of pay still. I thought I would just wait to have the Executive bring it up! NOPE! Not at all! Hasn't said a word!

I have been looking for other opportunities because I am at a loss as to why this has happened! Plus, why the heck would I stay somewhere, where I am not respected nor paid!

This is just the most bizarre thing I have ever dealt with! I have stayed because I need the health insurance and I really don't want on my resume that I have a lapse in work.

What rights do I have and what do you all think about this?

Thank you! I hope it all makes sense!

One more thing, she told me not to speak to Accounting or HR! Another red flag!! This is a nationwide company! I just don't understand!

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15 Comments

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  1. Robin Lampert

    You need to speak to HR. This sounds like a scam. Did you get the health insurance or any official documentation from the company (not the executive)?

  2. Anonymous

    Agreed!

  3. Anonymous

    Id also quit.

    Don't put up with this. Unethical and illegal

    You can do much better This lS a scam and I seriously doubt there is an HR department. Do you have confirmation of insurance?

    Leave it off the resume.

  4. Debbie

    Agree with the above. You should never accept a personal check as a form of payment from payroll. I would report this executive to your local or state labor department. Something sounds fishy.

  5. Sabrina Cortes

    Yes, this doesn't sound like a good fit for you.

    As for your resume, I'm a professional Resume Writer and I wouldn't worry too much about your employment gap. In fact, since this has been such a bad experience, you might want to consider leaving it off your resume. An acceptable gap in employment is up to 12 months, especially during these challenging times.

    If you decide to move on, don't forget to tailor your resume to the jobs you're applying for. This significantly increases your chances of passing the applicant tracking systems (ATS) scanning process. Then, your resume is sent on to the Recruiter or Hiring Manager.

    If you're interested, I'd like to offer you a free resume review! Feel free to reach out and email me at sabrina@writewithsabrina.com. Also, I have a course that teaches you how to write a tailored and impactful resume.

    I hope this helps and I'm sending you good vibes!

  6. SLT

    Told you not to speak to accounting or HR?

    I'm an accountant.

    This is very fishy and sneaky. You need to leave. Yesterday.

    For your sake, leave. The post written by the resume writer is great advice!!

  7. Julie Humbird

    I would contact payroll. Confirm your start date and hours worked. Unless you are willing to give up the time you have not been paid for.

  8. Barb Hansen

    This is what I would do in your situation:

    1- I would check my hiring documents and offer letter to make sure that I was really hired by the company as it sounds like your manager is super shady.

    2- If i was hired by the company, then I would reach out to HR/payroll and tell them what's happening.

    3- If I wasn't actually hired by the company (as in, I was sent a fraudulent offer letter and I signed fake hiring documents), I would reach out to the companies legal representative and explain my situation. I would not send my only copy of anything to the company. I would also keep all communication with my manager (emails, text, voice mails)

    4- If I didn't know one way or the other if I can actually been hired by the company, I would reach out to HR and ask them just that.

    Good luck!

  9. Crystal Howell

    You are entitled to get paid for your work. Contact an attorney specializing in labor law , make a copy your checks from the bank, print all emails, get a free consultation . You might own the company,

    They will tell you how to report properly to HR, your manager, she is breaking the law, don't know which one yet. Find out. Good luck

  10. Kristie White

    This is illegal and your executive knows it. Sounds like there is fraud or embezzlement going on here. Contact an attorney, HR AND the accounting department and get the hell out. This executive will be under investigation shortly and your position will be eliminated. What’s more, this executive will throw you under the bus when confronted. They are not your friend. Last don’t forget you can claim unemployment on quarters going further back than just your last employer in case you need a bridge. Check your states’s web site.

  11. Janelle Baldwin

    My experience, before you mention a word to accounting or HR, consult with an attorney. HR is ONLY there to protect the management. not you. And, you do not know if accounting is part of the fraud. And be ready to move on to your next job - perhaps the attorney could make sure you have a fair and accurate reference should you need to use them. I am hoping you have been with this frad employer for such a short time you can just drop them off your resume and get on with your career. Good luck!

  12. Kristie White

    sorry, this is wrong. HR is not there to protect the management, they are there (or should be) to keep the company in compliance , control costs and act as a liaison between Mgmt and labor. Paying an employee out of pocket, or owing backpay, is non compliant with company and labor laws. This manager needs to be reported!!

  13. Anonymous

    That your executive told you not to speak to Accounting or HR is a *major* red flag.

    You want out of this job asap, unless the company rectifies the situation by taking action against your manager.

    And I’d report the situation to Accounting, HR and senior management (company president, CEO or the head of your division— ie someone who is your manager’s boss) immediately. Reason: if you do not, you could be considered complicit in the fraud.

    I agree with the suggestion that it would be wise for you to take the precaution of being represented by an attorney to ensure that your rights are upheld. Engage the attorney and then report to HR and Accounting.

  14. JYJ

    Are you sure you're working for the company and not for this individual? Personal checks are never how anyone gets paid if you're working for a corporation. Speak to an employment lawyer. Consults are free. Agree that you should speak to someone higher up and document the conversation. Who knows who's being complicit in this fraud? Cover your butt.

  15. Vanda Lee

    I agree with the previous advice and also have concerns about the health insurance that you spoke of - if you are not "legitimately" on the corporate payroll, you are not "legitimately" signed up for benefits either - I would go to HR immediately and report the entire scenario! You have nothing to lose - you're not getting paid correctly and I question if you actually have insurance benefits!

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