Would you give the money back?

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KeithTalent

Elite Member | Administrator | No Lifer
Administrator
Nov 30, 2005
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I would definitely give it back. My conscience would drive me insane if I kept it and I would never be able to spend it without feeling dirty. I can't even keep $5 I find on the ground. It's not mine, so I can't keep it.

KT
 

coloumb

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,069
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I would take part of the money for myself and try to find a way to anonymously give the rest to the family in a manner that didn't require them to pay any taxes.
 
Aug 23, 2000
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This is a good point. What I would do depends entirely upon how the law reads given the circumstances.

That's such a BS answer. The law doesn't dictate morality.
It's discomforting to say the least that so many people would just pocket the money because they could.
Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should do something.

I didn't think I was that old, and that I was raised to be honest and do th right thing. I guess being 33 is old values or old values are a dying breed amongst greedy bastards.

I'd give the money back and not think about it again. Legally sure it would be mine to do with as a please, but I couldn't live with myself if I kept it and spent it on my family knowing that money was for someone elses family.
While I spend a size-able portion of my income for schooling and training of my low functioning autistic child, I'd still rather that money go to someone in the deceaseds family.

Most of the people posting sound like the finders keepers loosers weepers crowd of 9 year olds.
I suggest this thread be kept the way it is so we can go back and check on those that claim to be conservatives, and see how they'll grab other peoples money if they get the chance.
 

moshquerade

No Lifer
Nov 1, 2001
61,504
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I would definitely give it back. My conscience would drive me insane if I kept it and I would never be able to spend it without feeling dirty. I can't even keep $5 I find on the ground. It's not mine, so I can't keep it.

KT
I like your answer, a lot, but.... what if you find $5 on the ground? Do you just leave it there or do you pick it up? There really is no way to find the owner.
 

HeXen

Diamond Member
Dec 13, 2009
7,828
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i don't care if someone drops a dollar out of their back pocket right in front of me, i'm keepin that bich and buying me a soda...or beef jerky stick, that part would be a hard decision.
 

DominionSeraph

Diamond Member
Jul 22, 2009
8,386
31
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I'd keep it with no qualms.
I return found money. But this is bought money.
Everything on the property becomes my property. They have washed their hands of it, so it is mine free and clear.
I would only give back something with sentimental value waaaay in excess of its monetary value.
Your mother's $200 wedding dress? Sure. That $120,000 antique brooch? Nope.
 

Stifko

Diamond Member
Dec 8, 1999
4,799
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I don't know what I would do. It is a tough call to make. I read it was $45K though.
 

OVerLoRDI

Diamond Member
Jan 22, 2006
5,490
4
81
Keep it, tell no one.

10 minutes later:
Ugh, I don't think I could live with myself. I read the article, some hard working father stashes it away, presumably for his children, and forgets to tell them. They should have the money.

On the other hand it might depend on how he died. If he died a slow death and never mentioned the cash, I would assume something fishy.

Too many variables. Morality is stupid.
 
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SolMiester

Diamond Member
Dec 19, 2004
5,330
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I remember a couple of years ago, someone bought a house with the alleged original KFC chicken recipe and the legal debate over who owned the document.
I dont remember the outcome, but I would have to say, anything found on your own property belongs to the title holder, but could be wrong...
If it were me, Id keep it, the dead owner should of kept a better will with details of cash stashes...
 

KeithTalent

Elite Member | Administrator | No Lifer
Administrator
Nov 30, 2005
50,231
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116
I like your answer, a lot, but.... what if you find $5 on the ground? Do you just leave it there or do you pick it up? There really is no way to find the owner.

I usually leave it there. I have placed it on a parking meter before because it looked like someone had dropped it while paying their parking, but usually I will leave it in case someone comes back looking for it, otherwise hopefully a homeless person will grab it.

KT
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
If it came with the house, it would be mine. Just like everything else on the property.
 

UDT89

Diamond Member
Jul 31, 2001
4,529
0
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If the guy who owned the house prior to me gave a rats ass about his family he would've told someone it was there......or at least included it in some sort of will. There was a reason it was hidden......and it was for someone else to find other than the people he knew