Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

I reside in Washington State and wired money to who I thought was a friend who resides in Pennsylvania on a verbal agreement that I would be paid back on a specific date. Once that date arrived the person stopped responding but did text me thanks for my help and whats my address and they would pay me back...but weeks have gone by and they stopped responding. So, out of fear and desperation that I was scammed, I paid for a background check on line through peoplesmart.com to see if this personal was a professional scam artist. Now everytime I try to reach out to collect my money they're threatening harrassment charges and conviction for odering a background check without their consent.

Do I have any rights...seems like the scammer is protected as described above? As I feel all my actions if found illegal were a direct result of being decieved and cheated.

Can I at least damged their personal reputation through social media so this doesnt happend to someone else?


Asked on 2/01/13, 9:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Apgood

Yes. You have rights. There is absolutely nothing they can do about you ordering a criminal background check. It was perfectly reasonable and likely prudent on your part to do so.

As far as the money goes, tell them to either pay you immediately or you will turn them over for collection. That, at least, would affect their credit (although, their credit status is probably already bad). In any event, you have a right to seek recovery of the debt.

And, if as friends you would agree, never a borrower or a lender be.

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Answered on 2/01/13, 11:51 am


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