'I got fired over a school project': Student worker tests project on his company, discovers thousands of dollars in fraud

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Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Jun 2, 2025 2:00 PM EDT

They always tell you, as an employee starting out, that you need to learn all the ins and outs of the business. The problem is that sometimes you learn more than your boss originally intended.

The author behind this story is a student worker who was balancing studying computer engineering with a full-time position at a larger company. Juggling those two responsibilities at once is impressive in and of itself. One of the author's projects at school involved devising a system that could detect fraud. In order to test what he had created, he sought approval from his company to see if it worked properly. Well, let's just say it definitely worked, and now, the author has to deal with the unfortunate consequences of getting fired for knowing too much. 

Keep scrolling below for the full story and to see the varied reactions from several members of the online community. 

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  • 01
    L
    via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • As the author seeks legal help in his ongoing pursuit of control of his own project following his termination, we have to point out one comment from an online user. This person noted that what the author needs is more than just an employment lawyer; he needs someone who is well-versed and experienced in copyright law, too. With the right person's help, he should be able to regain control of his own work.

  • 02
    I was working full time at (redacted) in Iowa while going to school for computer science. As part of my education, I made a school project - a proof of concept for a fraud detection
    via golden918
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    tool. I built it on my own time using my own equipment and a JetBrains student license, which isn't meant for commercial use.
    via golden918
  • 04
    I showed it to the team because it actually worked. I ran it on their rebate claims and it caught thousands of dollars in fraud. HR, my manager, operations - they all knew I was building it. They
    via golden918
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    supported me. They told me it was exciting and useful. I had full permission to be working on it and was transparent about everything I was doing.
    via golden918
  • 06
    That changed the moment I brought up wanting credit and a possible partnership. I didn't demand anything - I just said if they wanted to use it seriously,
    via golden918
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    we'd need to rebuild it under the right license, and I'd want to be involved. After that, I was fired with no clear reason.
    via golden918
  • 08
    Then it got worse. They started pressuring me to sign over ownership of the code and hand over the source files - after I'd already been terminated. I told
    via golden918
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    them I legally couldn't give it to them due to the license. They didn't care. They kept pushing. HR emailed and texted me threats, then sent a certified letter saying they'd pursue legal action.
    via golden918
  • 10
    I've tried to find a lawyer but no one will help me. Everyone says "Iowa is at-will" or that it's not discrimination, so they won't take the case. But this is retaliation.
    via golden918
  • 11
    They knew about the project, encouraged it, and turned on me the second I wanted recognition. Now they're trying to steal something I made as a student,
    via golden918
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    outside of work, that they never paid me for or scoped out. I've got emails, texts, witnesses, everything.
    via golden918
  • 13
    I've stayed quiet for weeks hoping it would settle down. But I'm done. I'm tired of being bi Id for doing the right thing.
    via golden918
  • 14
    So TDLR don't take initiative at work if you want to keep your job apparently. Edit: I redacted the company name. I'd rather they not find this but you guys have been very helpful. I'm going to seek further legal assistance and I'll update if anything happens.
    via golden918
  • 15
    Fat SAPALOR PINATA 杯
    via Dan Burton

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 16
    xEbolavirus ⚫ Build it again with the proper software license, build a company and then sell it as a subscription service to other companies similar to where you worked. Print money.
    via golden918
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    roflberrypwnmuffins · Dont let them bu y you too much. Dont sign anything, dont respond, definitely dont send your work over. Make back up files and stash them somewhere. You
    via golden918
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    only need to respond if an actual attorney contacts you via process server. At that point they have actually started the legal process.
    via golden918
  • 19
    My gut says that has a leas than 50% chance of happening. Student work done on private equipment, for a student project, under a student license. They'll
    via golden918
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    prolly advise to not pursue too hard but see if they will get what they want with a strongly worded letter.
    via golden918
  • 21
    You may want to contact the company that provided the student license for your work. Someone is trying to make you violate the TOS of what you signed up for. They make take an interest in not allowing that happen.
    via golden918
  • 22
    Again... DO NOT SEND THEM ANY FILES. DO NOT RESPOND TO THEM. They're trying to do the 1st part, 2nd now. They needed to secure their prize BEFORE letting you go. Good luck buddy...
    via golden918
  • 23
    Jessie Colt If you are looking for an employment attorney, you are looking in the wrong place for help. You need an attorney that deals with copyright and intellectual property rights.
    via golden918
  • 24
    Instead of thinking about wrongful termination from the job, you need to protect what you created so that your former employer cannot use it.
    via golden918
  • 25
    An attorney who handles copyright and intellectual property rights issues will help you lock down what you created so that you can protect it.
    via golden918
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    Once you have gotten everything on that end worked out and both you and your creation protected, that same attorney should. also be able to help you create a usage license so that you can license what you created to various companies
    via golden918
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    As soon as you find an Intellectual Property Rights. attorney, you can then direct all communication from your former employer to your lawyer.
    via golden918
  • 28
    It s ks that they fired you. ks that they are trying It s to lay claim to what you created.
    via golden918
  • 29
    You NEED to protect your creation more than you need to try to get back at them for firing you.
    via golden918

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getting fired workplace-stories fired work stories toxic-workplace job fired story work Horrible Bosses company toxic-work-environment
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