Gas Station Hose Damage

[vicjay]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

Hello everyone, I am new to this site, and would like to know if anyone here can give me advice on this matter:

I received a letter in the mail today from a claims management company informing me that on March 7th, I drove away from a gas station with the hose still attached, and they are billing me for 3 gallons of spilled gas, as well as damage to their pump equipment.

Here is the problem: It was not me! I was not even in that city where this happened. Someone gave my office address contact details, off a business card. The vehicle they say I was driving doesn't match the vehicle I own.

I feel completely violated and distraught. I went to the local Sheriff and spoke with a deputy and he informed me that as much as he would like to help, he cannot as this is a civil matter.

Where does this leave me? What should I be doing right now about this? I am totally upset by this situation! I am convinced the gas station has surveillance video that will prove I was not the person they dealt with...please can someone here offer advice as to what I should do now?

Thank you all very much!

[Jim_bo]

First, you may be posting in the wrong section.

Second, you should write a "cease and decist" letter. You can state in the letter that you were not at the gas station at the time of the incident and that you have witnesses who can attest to that (assuming you do). You should demand that the station cease all action against you in this matter and if they do not you will be filing a civil complaint of your own. Write the letter professionally and without emotion. I'm sure you'll get a positive response.

[I_Got_Banned]

Originally Posted by Jim_bo

First, you may be posting in the wrong section.

Vicjay,

You were busted by The Post Police! More commonly known as Da Po-Po

Don't feel bad though, we've all been there!

In reference to the problem you have with the gas station incident, you shouldn't have to prove that it wasn't you who caused the damage. Instead, ask THEM to show you any reason/proof as to why YOU are responsible.

Good luck

[Stevef]

Originally Posted by vicjay

I received a letter in the mail today from a claims management company informing me that on March 7th, I drove away from a gas station with the hose still attached, and they are billing me for 3 gallons of spilled gas, as well as damage to their pump equipment.

Write a letter to the claims management company stating that you are disputing the charges because you were not in the area on that day.

[CdwJava]

I'm a little perplexed as to how someone got your business card if you weren't there?

If it was not you or your car, I presume the station's video system will back this claim.

- Carl

[Zigner]

What did the folks in the claims mgmt section say when you CALLED them?

That should have been your first step - of course, you'd follow up with letters, etc.

[HomeGuru]

I think I saw the event on tv.

[vicjay]

Originally Posted by Stevef

Write a letter to the claims management company stating that you are disputing the charges because you were not in the area on that day.

I am doing this immediately.

Originally Posted by CdwJava

I'm a little perplexed as to how someone got your business card if you weren't there?

If it was not you or your car, I presume the station's video system will back this claim.

- Carl

I run a business and have my business cards at reception - common practice in almost every office location. Clients and visitors are free to take a card. See comment below about the video system...

Originally Posted by Zigner

What did the folks in the claims mgmt section say when you CALLED them?

That should have been your first step - of course, you'd follow up with letters, etc.

Upon receiving the notice in the mail from the claims management company, I phoned them and spoke to a lady there, who said the details were given to the clerk by the person who damaged the pump, no I.D. was shown or presented or even asked for, and the vehicle description does not match my vehicle at all.

When I told the lady on the phone that I would like to have sight of the surveillance video she said she could not comment on that request. I told her I will report the matter to the sheriff, which I did, however the deputy told me that this is a civil matter and not a police matter. The only time the sheriff can take action is if the same individual continues to use my information.

[CdwJava]

Of course the Sheriff's Department won't get involved as there appears to be no crime involved ... except, maybe, for the damage to the hose, but that would be up to the service station to report.

I suppose all you can really do now - after you have told them it wasn't you - is to wait and see if they try to commence any civil action against you.

- Carl