Q: What am I to do if my wife and mom received a message relating a civil suit against me? I live out of the country.
My wife and mother received a phone message from a company called Goldman LC, out of Arizona, expressing that there is a civil suit to be filed with the county against me. My name was spelled wrong, they provided two different case numbers, they never called me personally, and most importantly, Ive lived out of the country for 4 years. When I called the number the receptionist could not pull up my case because the case numbers were wrong. When she asked me for my correct name, I refused and she wished me luck with my situation. Should I be worried about this?
A:
It's understandable to be concerned when receiving such messages, especially when living abroad. However, there are several red flags in your situation that suggest caution. First, legitimate legal notifications are typically not communicated via phone messages to family members. Proper legal procedures usually require formal service of documents, especially for initiating a civil suit.
The inconsistencies in the message, such as the wrong spelling of your name and conflicting case numbers, further indicate that this might not be a legitimate legal action. Moreover, the lack of response when you contacted the company, coupled with their inability to provide concrete information, raises additional doubts about the legitimacy of the claim.
While it's possible that this is a misunderstanding or an error, it's also wise to be alert to the possibility of a scam or deceptive practice. It might be prudent to monitor any further communications and consider consulting with an attorney who can provide guidance based on the specifics of your situation and the laws of Arizona.
In the meantime, avoid providing personal information over the phone and be cautious in your interactions with this company until their legitimacy and the validity of the claim can be confirmed. Remember, staying informed and vigilant is key in such scenarios.
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