Any Ideas About Resolving a Legal Issue Involving Fraud???

My husband and I own our own business too, and we have delt with similar issues, although we sell softball and baseball equipment so we have never had quite the $$ amount you are dealing with. First off, re-read your contract with the parent company, find out what your rights are in such a case, find out if they have a lawyer available to you in such a case. Second you need to know that CC companies always seem to go with the consumer at first, you as the seller have to prove your end of the agreement. Get together all your paperwork regarding that particular transaction and talk to a lawyer who knows the law regarding fraud. It may cost you $150-200 just to talk to someone but it will help you know exactly what steps to take and in what order. The man who has your tools essentially commited theft and because of the value, it is a felony, so you may have to get the police involved as well. Do you have anything that proves he took posession of the tools? One thing you need to keep in mind is that this guy may not have the $6000 to pay the bill and since his wife never signed the agreement, she may actually be off the hook... This is where the lawyer comes in since I have never had to deal with a fraud charge that involves a co-signer. You also need to contact the financing company and get them your side of the story if you havnt already (talk to that lawyer first so you have everything in order when you make that call) Dont let them make it seem like you have no hope, they do that on purpose to try and make you pay... It really sucks but you really have to fight for your rights as a merchant.

Good Luck!! I know how stressful that is!

I wonder if you could sign up with the PrePaid Legal service, I'm not sure if they can help though since this is a prior issue, something that happened before you were covered. Might be worth a call to see. They've helped me several times, you get unlimited phone calls and they will write letters for you. If you have to go to court, you get 25% off lawyers fees. The coverage costs $17/month for Personal (and if you own your own business you might be able to get questions answered, that's what I do) and I'm not sure about the Business coverage, it's more like $65/month. May seem high but totally worth it when you need help with something like this! I could give you the number of my friend Linda who is a PPL rep if you want. Maybe she can tell you if they could help with this preexisting problem. Email me and let me know if you'd like her #.

can't you have the tools reposesed? Your parent company should help you do that I would think.

I know some lawyers are pricey but I would seek legal advice hon. Try gather all paperwork involving the pair and also all paperwork from your company and your parent company. This just prepares you if the attorney wants you to bring in all contracts/transactions/notes for the first consultation. Make sure you keep all emails and all written notes pertaining to this complaint. Along with your summary of complaint make a timeline of events too , it may help you and the lawyer decide what you can and cannot do. Good Luck!

A., I too am Self- employed stay at home mom and I have a pre-paid legal service available among other financial services if you are interested. It is $25/month for hundreds of attorneys on retainer. I can give you more information on what they can do for you are interested but as soon as someone signs up they can call with their question and get help/advise.
Nikki Wilkinson
____@____.com

I would consult with an attorney. Quite honestly, it seems to me like the franchise office doesn't have the right/or ability to determine fraud. That seems something more befitting of a judge, in a court room.

I can't begin to tell you how many "to be" ex spouses claim the same thing when they are left with debt in their name only. If she can claim it's fraud, she can go after her exhusband, but not the creditor. That is why I don't understand how your franchise office has that right, which I don't think they do.