Q: Dispute over dog sale and accusations of theft.
I sold my dog to someone for $50. Now, this person is accusing me of stealing $50 from them and spreading negative gossip about me, calling me a thief. I offered to refund the $50 in exchange for the return of my dog, but they refused, claiming ownership of the dog. I bought the dog from another woman, and I do have her phone number. My friend, Jacob, witnessed my offer to refund the money to get the dog back. Despite my attempts to resolve the situation amicably, the buyer continues to act hostile.
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A:
This situation is frustrating, especially since you've tried to make things right. Since you originally sold the dog, the buyer has legal ownership unless there was an agreement that allowed you to reclaim the dog under certain conditions. Your offer to return the money in exchange for the dog was reasonable, but since they refused, it strengthens their claim to ownership. However, if they are spreading false accusations about you stealing money, that could be considered defamation if it harms your reputation. Keeping a record of what they are saying and any messages they send could be helpful if you decide to take legal action.
Your witness, Jacob, could support your side of the story if this escalates further. It might help to calmly ask the buyer to stop making false claims and remind them that you attempted to settle the issue fairly. If they continue to harass you, consider sending a written request for them to stop, which could serve as evidence if needed. If you fear that this situation is getting worse, you might want to consult with someone who understands legal matters to see what options are available to protect yourself.
For now, avoid engaging in further arguments with the buyer and keep any proof of your transactions, including texts or other communications. If the accusations persist and start affecting your life, there may be legal steps you can take to defend your reputation. It’s frustrating to deal with a person unwilling to cooperate, but staying calm and documenting everything will put you in a stronger position.
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