Q: I am being sued in RI small claims court for something I purchased through paypal from an RI seller & never received
I live in Fl, and have never been to RI or done business there. I don't know anyone near there either.
I was scammed by this seller, and after I filed a case with paypal and was refunded, he sent me an empty package to have tracking proof for his case. The weight on the receipt would prove it was empty ... the item I paid for was a framed piece of art. I have all the documentation to easily prove my case but can't leave my family to travel to RI court. I read if I don't show up, they'll automatically judge against me, but it'd cost more to travel to RI, hotels, etc. than the case is for ($475). I sent an "answer" explaining things but was told that the judge prob. won't read it and will automatically enter a judgement against me if I'm not there. The guy can then garnish my wages, seize my property, ruin my perfect credit, etc. Am I forced to either pay this scammer money or spend money traveling to RI?
A: You might consider hiring an attorney to represent and assist you - it could cost less than the trip.
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