Core Points - Contributions to a 401(k) are immediately vested and belong to the employee, regardless of employment status [1] - Concerns arise when contributions appear to be missing after a transaction, leading to questions about employer responsibility and potential fraud [2] Group 1: 401(k) Contributions and Management - Employers must adhere to strict regulations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) regarding the management of 401(k) plans [2][3] - ERISA mandates that employers have a fiduciary duty to manage 401(k) plans responsibly, ensuring timely deposits of employee contributions within 15 business days after payday [3] - Employers are prohibited from misusing 401(k) funds and must implement measures to protect these funds from risks, including cyberattacks [4]