I am moving to a city about 1000 miles away for various reasons and I was trying to find a place to rent before I got there by placing an ad and looking in ads. Well I came across one woman who was looking for a roommate. So we talked on the phone for a few weeks and on email and stuff, I got to know her and trust her. So I deposited $450 in her account to hold the place and then I was going to be leaving tomorrow to go live there. Well since I deposited the money the only communication I got from her was she was not going to have a roommate anymore and that was it. I have asked her for my money, tried calling, left messages, she won't answer, so basically she robbed me. I have text messages, witnesses and stuff that prove that the deposit I made was for rent and we had an agreement, I also have the bank deposit receipt. So I called the police and they said basically for me to get a lawyer, which doesn't make sense to me, it won't be worth it. Any advice?
2007-12-02 14:45:09 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
For $65 you can file a small claims court action against her for the $450 she owes you, and what ever costs to you to try and get it back. Don't bother trying to find a lawyer, as there isn't enough money in it for them. $450 is about 3 minutes worth of work from a lawyer.
2007-12-02 14:51:43 · answer #1 · answered by gilfinn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you give money to a person you never met before? I hope you didn't give her any bank information?! And truthfully, since there was no written lease she could say it was a gift and she probably will change phone numbers and unf. your basically screwed. (Hopefully you have good evidence since there was no written contract....)
You may want to talk to your local police dept. though since it was across lines the FBI might get involved for fraud on her part, but I really have no clue.
I think your best bet would be to talk to someone at your local police department. They won't charge!!!
FYI: Never give money to someone you don't know!!
2007-12-02 23:04:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For that small amount, you can sue her yourself in the local small claims court. Just find out what the court is, (here in Memphis it is called "general sessions"). The court clerk should be able to help you figure out what you need to do. Filing the lawsuit may convince her to just pay you back the money to drop the lawsuit rather than dealing with the courts.
2007-12-02 22:50:16 · answer #3 · answered by Cara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing you can do is get a lawyer. Yes, she did basically steal money from you, but she didn't rob you, as you gave it to her willingly. As such, this is a civil matter, not criminal.
2007-12-02 22:50:16 · answer #4 · answered by DOOM 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋