Caffarelli & Associates LtD

Wage Theft and Unlawful Deductions

Wage theft occurs when an employer unlawfully withholds money that an employee has earned. This includes unpaid wages, off-the-clock work, illegal paycheck deductions, failure to pay minimum wage or overtime, and withholding final paychecks.

The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (IWPCA) prohibits employers from making deductions from an employee’s paycheck unless the deduction is required by law or authorized in writing by the employee for a lawful purpose. Deductions for lost equipment, customer complaints, or alleged damages often violate the law when done without proper authorization.

Another common form of wage theft is off-the-clock work—when employees are expected to perform tasks before or after their recorded shift, during unpaid breaks, or while “volunteering” their time.

If you suspect that your employer has withheld wages or made illegal deductions from your paycheck, you may have a valid claim. Contact Caffarelli & Associates for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and explore the best legal strategy to recover what you are owed.

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