collect from overseas?

[ithinkilost]

I foolishly trusted someone I've known for over 3 years (both online and in person). He said he was having some short term financial problems so I offered a loan of $2000. The person lives in the UK so the discussions took place online (I have a transcript of the conversations). I used Western Union to transfer the funds (there is a record).

Because I thought we were friends, I didn't push him for details on when/where/how he would pay the money back. Now I'm afraid that he has no intentions of repaying the money and would like to know if I have any legal rights since he's in the UK. Will I need to obtain legal representation there? (I live in California).

Thanks for any advice you may have!

 

[JETX]

Not good news.....

IF (and even that is a BIG if) you had all the i's dotted AND t's crossed with this 'loan' in writing and properly signed you MIGHT have a case that could be won (but the expenses would be considerable) and unless noted in the agreement that the expenses were recoverable, you probably wouldn't even get them.

But, with the lack of formal documentation of this 'loan' it would merely become a 'he said/she said' situation wherein it would be decided purely on the credibility of the parties. Considering the slim chance of recovery, it sounds to me like you paid tuition to the school of hard knocks.

 

[ithinkilost]

thanks for your response.. i was fairly sure that's what it would be but thought i'd get your opinion anyway

it's tough to ask a friend for a written contract when you're supposed to trust them but i've learned that 'friends' aren't always who you think they are!