I was doing odd jobs working from home online and keeping us afloat. We were in a new rental house and trying to replace all of our things. My car was on the fritz and needed repairs. So, I was going to be short on my August rent. 

One night after I put the kids to bed, I was working on my budget and went into my wallet to count my cash. I came across the Payroll card that was issued to me from the Temp Service for that new job that fell through after the fire 2 months prior. I was on my way to the trash to throw it away, but for some reason, I decided to call the number on the back of the card to activate it. 

As I’m following the prompts and activating the card, the automated system tells me I have a balance on the card. $650.00. The exact amount I knew I’d be short on my rent. 

The following morning I called the Temp Service and I spoke to the same nice lady. I tell her that I have a paycheck on the card, but there must be a mistake because I never started the job. 

She hesitates and says to me “Hun, you came into the office the morning after we spoke. You said you got everything lined out and could start the job. So, we gave you a time card to swipe and sent you to the factory. You worked for 1 week, clocked in and out, but then you stopped coming. We had to mark you as a ‘no call no show’ which made you ineligible for rehire for 6 months.”

I insisted she was mistaken. I’ve never stepped foot inside that factory. Not to mention, it was a second shift job and I was literally at home with my children this entire time.

The nice lady pauses for a few seconds and her voice shifts to worry and she says “hun, are you okay? I personally completed all your paperwork for this job and spoke with you face to face. Should I call someone for you?”

At that moment I realized she thought I was having a mental episode, so I politely told her that I’m okay and thanked her for her time. I went to the ATM, withdrew the $650, and made my rent payment in full on time.