Is an agent of a company liable for a debt that is owed?
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Is an agent of a company liable for a debt that is owed?
I was working for an agency and I was the writing agent. As part of my agreement with the agency, I was going to get leads and I would get $100 per application. I worked there for 1 1/2 months and never got paid and left the agency. It turns out that the owner took the money and ran off with it. Now the collectors are contacting me to pay. Am I liable for anything since I didn’t receive the money; everything is written under my name?
Asked on November 7, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
It depends on how you signed any agreements. Generally, an employee is NOT liable for company debts. However, if you signed any agreements in your own name and personal capacity, and *not* as, say "John/Jane Doe, Marketing Manager of XYZ Corp.", then they may be able to hold you liable because you accepted personal liability. They could also hold you liable IF there is evidence that you helped or collaborated with the owner in committing fraud or theft, since in that case, you would be liable due to your own wrongful action, and not merely as an employee.
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