In order to answer this, where and how the money was found needs to first be discussed. Below you will find multiple scenarios in which money has been found and the appropriate way to handle the situation.
Cash Found on the Ground in a Public Place
If you have found cash in a public place, such as a restaurant, park, public street, grocery store, etc. the owner of the cash is most likely not going to be found. At this time it becomes your choice whether or not to keep this money. There is also usually no way to prove whom the cash belongs to. If the cash is found along with a wallet or purse that has an I.D. the cash can then be turned in to the management of the place it was found or the police department where it can be returned to its owner. Or you may simply take the found items to the owner yourself. Most police departments and cities have ordinances that say if noone comes to claim lost property after the finder attempts to find the owner for a certain number of days then the finder may keep the found property, this would include found cash.
If a very large sum of money has been found, it may be best to contact authorities, as it could be stolen. In the event you attempt to deposit this money, or use it, you could be found as the guilty party. There is no set dollar amount, but it would be best to use your discretion at that point in order to keep yourself from criminal charges.
Money Deposited in Your Bank Account
If you have noticed there is unearned or unexpected money deposited in your bank account, the best thing to do is to contact the person or company who deposited the money right away. Do not spend this money. There have been multiple court cases where an individual has spent money that was incorrectly deposited into their account and they have had to pay the amount deposited and sometimes interest for their lack or cooperation in returning the money. If your pay check has an unusually large unexplained amount, contact your employer right away. Federal and state laws clearly state that overpayments belong to the employer. Please note if you spend the money before your employer notices, employers have powerful tools to get the money back.
Remember, it is always best to seek professional legal advice if you have a specific question or dilemma.
