I work at Swiss Chalet(food place/resturant) at the drive though this guy ordered $200 worth of food. Before the customers pay they order at the mic just like Mcdonalds and I told the cooks to have the food ready. When he went up to window #1 to pay he drove off without getting his food saying "I was joking". The food was already ready and since no one ordered a few mins after the food got soggy and we had to throw it out. My boss told me "200 IS COMING OUT YOUR PAYCHECK NEXT WEEK" He wouldn't even let me explain.. He said he didnt wanna hear my BS..
Sounds like my ex-boss >.> No he can't deduct it from you, but prepare to take some more shit when you go in to explain what happened.
Yeah it's illegal but I wouldn't worry about it. 99% of the time bosses say this out of anger/stress and shit. I don't know how your chain works, but I'm betting your boss just reports your hours to corporate and then it goes from there. They wouldn't take that money out of your check. Play it cool and wait until you get paid. If they deduct the money, then start talking shit and saying you'll lawyer up. Call corporate/HR and they'll quickly sort it out before it goes public most likely. This has happened to a few workers for a few companies, and once it hits public at least a few outlets seem to pick up the story (happened with McDonalds a while back). They'll pay you before they take the bad publicity.