Debt Relief - How To Deal With Fraud
Articles - Mortgage
Fraud and misrepresentation can strike you at any time. Once it happens, what recourse do you have? Using the unfair and deceptive acts and practices (UDAP) laws, you may be able to terminate an agreement, stop payment, or get your money back. If you're in the unfortunate circumstances of being sued by a creditor or collection agency, you could cite the UDAP violations as your defense.
by RobbyThomas


Fraud and misrepresentation can strike you at any time. Once it happens, what recourse do you have? Using the unfair and deceptive acts and practices (UDAP) laws, you may be able to terminate an agreement, stop payment, or get your money back. If you're in the unfortunate circumstances of being sued by a creditor or collection agency, you could cite the UDAP violations as your defense.

Another alternative would be to consult with a lawyer about taking legal action against the seller. However, to save money and headaches, you should correspond by mail with the seller and inform them of the problem and demand to be reimbursed. Before you forward any correspondence, be sure to make copies of all original letters and only send copies of any supporting documents such as the original contract, receipts, canceled checks. If you don't have any luck with the seller or he or she won't offer you what you would desire, you can submit your letter and any supporting documentation as evidence in your case. Depending on the requirements of your state, disputes for smaller amounts can be filed in small claims court. If the amount is substantial, you're better off utilizing the help of a lawyer.

Another strategy you can try when your initial demand letter doesn't work is to file a complaint with the proper government agency. If you're unsure which agency to contact, try consulting with the local state prosecutor's office for recommendations. When a company receives a complaint from a government agency, it tends to respond quicker. The business will most likely designate a representative with the authority to correct the problem or issue you a reimbursement.

Another effective technique you can implement when a seller refuses to cooperate with you is to file a complaint with the proper government agency. For recommendations of the appropriate agency, try contacting your local or state prosecutor's office. If you filed a complaint with a government agency, the business will act swiftly and cooperate with the agency to resolve all issues quickly. The business will nominate a special representative to bring a quick resolution to your case.

When you correspond with the government agency, don't just forward a copy of the original demand letter you sent the business. Most agencies prefer to sit back and wait and see if a business will resolve the issue with you. But when you directly file a complaint with the agency, the agency will contact the business requesting a response to the allegations.

Make sure you include copies of originals of all receipts, agreements, warranties, service contracts, ads, and other supporting evidence. If you have a log of your phone calls showing your efforts to work out the problem, be sure to include these. Be sure to make copies of all paperwork submitted to the agency. You should also send the business a copy of your agency complaint.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.