Legal Question in Technology Law in California

Internet Terrorism & Invasion of Privacy

I joined an on-line dating service, was enrolled for three days, and immediately cancelled my 3-month membership via their e-mail customer support address because I was dissatisfied. I sent a complaint to their customer support e-mail asking that either a portion or all of my money be refunded and now I am being terrorized and threatened by the individual who fields these complaint messages. The individual has taken it upon his/herself to send e-mail messages to me from their own personal e-mail address, threatening my credit (as the company has my credit card number). What can I do?


Asked on 10/11/99, 12:39 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: Internet Terrorism & Invasion of Privacy

As for that person's threat, from my personal, non-legal, general knowledge, I would

say that "having your credit card number" doesn't make it possible for that person to

ruin your credit rating and if he tried to rack up more charges it would do more to hurt

them (and his ability to use credit cards) than you, in my humble personal opinion. So

don't get rattled.

Maybe he'll be smart and just send you a perfect match and once you're happy, you'll

let him have his money. I assume this is a legitimate service, not a front for prostitution,

right? Well, don't tell me.

Are you female, being harassed by a male at the company? It would seem to me worse for him to

defend himself if it were that way.

I assume you asked the credit card company to "dispute" the charge, i.e., take the money

back out of the merchant's bank account and credit your account temporarily while they

get you two to write letters to them to resolve the question of whether you owe the money.

Keep it civil; maybe call the lawyer (from your state, right?)

who replied to this to go over the details of your

contract and establish with him that you didn't get what you paid for, if possible; maybe ask

him to review your dispute letters, too, though he won't get much money for doing that.

There are harassment laws, I think, but you'd have to consult him to see if they'd be

of any help to you.

Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 10/12/99, 1:50 am
Timothy J. Walton Internet Attorney

Re: Internet Terrorism & Invasion of Privacy

It sounds like there is more to this story than what you have said here. Did you have any other contact with this person besides discussing your account? Have there been threats against anything other than your credit record? Why are they threatening your credit record if you paid in advance?

If you would like to discuss the details of your problem over the telephone, I can be reached during normal business hours PST at (415) 441-5544.

Read more
Answered on 10/11/99, 8:44 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Computer & Technology Law questions and answers in California