Ex Employer Payment Dispute

Summary

The user, located in Nebraska, is being asked by an ex-employer in Kansas to provide login information for a dental x-ray system. The user has not signed any post-employment assistance agreement and wants to ensure payment before providing the information. The user is advised to get a written agreement for the payment. The information is not confidential or proprietary.

Full Conversation

i just have a question. An ex-employer is contacting to help them to log into the dental x-ray system and I don’t want to respond unless I get paid and I want to make sure that I actually get paid before giving out that information (hope this makes since)? Want to make sure I have my basics covered.
Have you signed any agreement with your ex-employer regarding post-employment assistance?
no
What state are you located in? This will help me provide the most accurate information.
They are in Kansas and I am in Nebraska
Are you concerned about any legal implications if you refuse to assist without payment?
No
What is the nature of the information you're being asked to provide? Is it confidential or proprietary?
just the computer login which they are having a hard time resetting it
Are you the only one who has access to this login information?
yes
Do you have any written communication from your ex-employer requesting your assistance? This could be useful in ensuring payment for your services.
Yes I have a text message
What does the text message from your ex-employer say?
Hi ****! Hope all is well with you. Do you remember the password to the dental laptop? None of us can figure it out.
Have you informed your ex-employer about your condition of getting paid before providing the information?
I have not yet
Before you respond, have you considered the potential legal implications of withholding this information?
no I haven’t should I just give it to them
What is the nature of your previous employment contract? Did it include any clauses about post-employment obligations or proprietary information?
it did not
Did your employment contract include any non-disclosure or confidentiality clauses?
not that I am aware of
Did your employment contract include any terms about providing post-employment assistance or support?
nope
What is the nature of the information you're being asked to provide? Is it confidential or proprietary?
its not confidential
What is your ex-employer's willingness to pay for your assistance?
I don’t know
I do not know
What is your preferred method of payment and do you have a specific amount in mind for this service?
If they agree to pay me and then I give the info and they don’t pay me. Can they legally do that?
What was the agreement between you and your ex-employer? Was it verbal or written? In general, if there's a written agreement, it's legally binding.
When I ask I am going to get it in writing most likely via text message
What is the exact content of the agreement you're planning to get in writing?
Once I reach out I text something like I am willing to give you the information if I get paid $*.
What is the nature of the information you're providing? Is it proprietary or confidential to the company?