Do I need to pay back a cell phone bill regarding a comapny phone?
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Do I need to pay back a cell phone bill regarding a comapny phone?
I work for a company and at the beginning of last year they gave me a cell phone telling me all my bills would be paid by them. So I used it for both business and personal usage. Now, a year later, they have come up to me saying that they won’t cover my overseas calls and have given me a bill over $4000. I didn’t sign any contract with them with regards to this phone. When I got the phone my collaegues told me that they use the phone often during their overseas trips and they didn’t have to pay anything, so I started using my phone for overseas work as well. Could you please advise me on this issue?
Asked on July 5, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
Hong Shen / Roberts Law Group
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It is common understanding that a company phone is the company's property. Your personal use of the phone is prohibited. Let alone oversea callings. Talk to the company and see if you can get a deal. If not, pay up.
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