The Ethics of Returning Excess Money to a Cashier

Situations where customers receive excess money during transactions are not rare. But what is the most ethical response to such a situation? Should one return the excess money to the cashier, or keep it? This article explores the ethical considerations and practical implications of returning excess money to a cashier in various contexts.

Receiving Excess Money as a Customer

There is no denying the temptation to keep the excess money when discovered. After all, it significantly brightens a day and alleviates financial stress. However, maintaining honesty and integrity is crucial. Keeping excess money can be considered theft, as it does not belong to you, and it undermines trust in financial institutions and businesses.

Returning the extra money is generally the ethical choice. It demonstrates integrity and helps maintain a positive relationship with your bank, ensuring reliable service in the future. Many banks have policies in place for such situations to guide customers on how to proceed.

A Real-Life Example

Consider the following scenario: I was in Speedway and withdrew $100. After withdrawing the money, I counted it twice and placed it back in my billfold. When I went to the cashier to purchase Marlboro cigarettes and a Monster energy drink, I accidentally gave them $40 instead of $20, pocketing the remaining $60 in the process. After I realized my mistake, the cashier had already pocketed the extra $20, having left his change pocket empty.

Had I returned the excess money immediately, I would have alerted the cashier of my mistake and adjusted the transaction accordingly. In doing so, I would have honored the principles of fairness and integrity, even though it meant driving back to return the money.

Immediate Return vs. Later Realization

When you discover excess money immediately, the choice is clear. Returning the money promptly is the right thing to do, and it upholds ethical standards. However, what if the situation is realized much later, such as after the transaction is completed? In the example provided, the author discovered the error when putting the money in their billfold and immediately returned the excess amount. They went back to the store to correct the transaction, emphasizing the importance of integrity.

Consequences of Keeping Excess Money

Keeping excess money can lead to serious issues, especially for cashiers. Mistakes made by cashiers are often not taken lightly. Immediate returns are essential to prevent integrity issues within the business. Keeping excess money can be seen as stealing from the business, which might be in a vulnerable financial position. The consequences for a cashier who makes significant errors, such as keeping an extra $20, can be severe. They might face disciplinary action or even lose their job.

As a customer, it is essential to maintain integrity and honesty. Contacting the bank or business for guidance can provide clarity and ensure you act in the most ethical manner. For instance, the author mentioned a situation where a machine dispensed an extra $20 in torn and crumpled notes. While they did not inform the bank, they justified their action by considering the bank's long-term financial health. This scenario highlights the complexity of decision-making in cases where error situations are unavoidable.

Conclusion

The decision to return excess money to a cashier is one that involves ethical considerations, consequences for both parties, and practical implications. Returning the extra money is generally the right choice, as it upholds integrity, maintains trust, and avoids potential legal and ethical issues. Keeping the excess money can be seen as unacceptable due to the principle of honesty and fairness. This article serves as a reminder that integrity is vital in financial transactions and that choices should be made with a clear conscience.