Q: Can a company refuse to send me an invoice or a bill and demand me to pay only on the phone?
I have been leasing a car with this company (short term lease) that operates through a mobile app. I was required to link a bank account for the weekly payments. For two years, the payments were processed weekly, and I received the invoice through the mail every week. Last month they called me and said they had some changes done to their system, and as a result, I wasn't charged for more than two months. They are demanding me to pay the balance only through the phone. I asked for a bill or any letter or email stating what they are saying, but they are refusing to send anything. I'm afraid to give out my bank information over the phone since I was recently a victim of identity theft. They want me to call every week to make the payment over the phone. They stated that they cannot make automatic payments and won't provide any receipt for the transactions either. My question is that Can a company refuse to send me an invoice or a bill and demand me to pay only on the phone?
A:
IMO your alarm bells are ringing for good reason. This sounds like a scam to get your bank information. Take all precautions, such as calling the company instead of just taking calls. Get the name and employee ID number on each person you speak to. Do not just deal with a clerk ask to speak to a manager, and get their first and last name. If questioned, just say you were already a victim of identity theft and don't want to go through that again. Tell your bank to put a hold on any direct payments to this company until further notice. You can also freeze credit cards and bank accounts if you think a theft is imminent. Be pleasant with the company and ask if they want the car back or they want to be paid. When they respond the latter, just say you are ready to pay them what is owed, but you need some reassurances, after all, it is their mistake, not yours!!!
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