Verified answer

This question has nothing to do with being atheist or christian, because there are honest and dishonest people in both groups. I would tell them of their mistake, not because im an atheist, and not because I want to make christians look bad, but because its the right thing to do. I don't need an old book to tell me that.

Of course if I am certain, I would call it to the clerk's attention. But in reality, I probably would not be sure which one of us is in error. In a practical situation, I might not be certain what bill I gave the clerk. This is why experienced clerk's put the note they are given on the till until change has been made and the transaction is complete. The clerk counts back the change, and both the clerk and customer can see what note the customer gave.

The transaction should be completed, the note put in the drawer, and the drawer closed before any other transaction is made. So if the customer wants to smaller notes or more coins, etc. that is a different transaction that can occur only after the first one is complete -- there is no handing money back and forth while the change is being counted.

Atheists, Christians, others. You go to your local corner shop and select goods to the value of £9.58 (or $9.58 or 45zł or whatever)...?

Had it happen in a Beer Tent at Glastonbury Festival, (1989 I think.) the only time I ever kept the change.

I can say that every time this has happened to me in the past, I have pointed out the clerk's error. Based on that, I infer that I will continue to do so in future circumstances.

I'm in a slightly different situation at the moment actually. I ordered something online, but the store send me two in error. I feel i should return the extra product; however, I will have to pay the postage to ship it to the seller.

It seems wrong to keep it. But also wrong that I should have to pay for the store's mistake.

As with others, I've had it happen on occasion and have always given it back. I've worked as a cashier a few times in my life and it's a big deal if your till is off. People working behind a cash register generally don't make a whole lot, and they can get their pay docked, and be suspended or fired if their register is off regularly.

To anyone who thinks it's okay to keep it: be a decent human being and consider what harm you'll likely prevent by not taking what's not yours in the first place.

I honestly don't know what others would do, but I doubt religion has much to do with it. I hope most people would give the money back.

Yes, I would.

It happened before, and I did.

It is not happening now since I very seldom use cash anymore.

And I think that other atheists are also more likely to point out the error, some theists would rationalize it by claiming that if they were given extra cash, then it was god's will or something equally stupid.

That's happened to me. Having been a cashier and knowing that it can cost a person their job, no, I have not kept the money when they gave me too much change.

Yes, it seems an insignificant amount to the store, but the sanctions to a cashier, who probably really needs the job, are not worth it.

I have been given too much change a few times over the years. I always point it out, and get it right before I leave. There is only a negative value from taking such, it won't help you much in any case. Honesty is always the best policy.

Yes, I do correct people if they give me too much change, just as I will when they give me too little.

I make enough money to pay for the things I want, if the price is higher than I can afford, I simply do not get an item.

I had a guy give me too much change (I gave him a $20, he gave me change for a $50). He got real belligerent and told me he knew how to make change.

So I said fine.

But I tried.