Loaned money to a friend - i want it back

Enterprise_1701C

robpw2 wrote: »

I was going to say that

However

one - what terms were agreed?
two when did you say the money had to be paid by?
three as the holiday is next year - are you able to get someone to go in her place -surely the change of name will be cheaper than the court fees and aggro of trying to pursue a claim?

I would recommend you do all you can to mitigate your losses now

Ps i wouldn't advise harassing her on Facebook as some have suggested

Not harassing her, very much doubt if they are still friends, just "mentioning" it to other friends that may be able to persuade her to pay, basically embarrassing her into paying.

worried_jim

tykesi wrote: »

This has got Judge Rinder written all over it. Then maybe Jeremy Kyle for good measure.

Total Jezza. Crap tattoos, missing teeth and a dodgy flight to Benidorm. I'm glued.

Someone has already mentioned Facebook shaming so it has all the magic ingredients.

Oakdene

worried_jim wrote: »

Total Jezza. Crap tattoos, missing teeth and a dodgy flight to Benidorm. I'm glued.

Someone has already mentioned Facebook shaming so it has all the magic ingredients.

Aye all we need now is a DNA test & I'm set for the day

macman

OP, basics first. You say you 'think' she lives with her parents? You can't serve a claim on her without a definite address-so get that sorted first.
Then, as advised above, send an LBA by post (forget email, social media, texting). Give her 14 days to pay in full, and do not enter into any negotiations from that point on. She is only likely to pay if she really believes that you will follow through on your LBA.
The cost of submitting an online claim up to £300 is just £25.

maisie_cat

I would second a LBA and online claim route, enforcement might be a different thing, but a judgement will be official and you have an amount of time to get it back then. If she is in her 20's she won't be bothered about owing money, but she may be when she's 25 and realises that you had to work for it.
As somebody who has loaned money to friends and family 4 times and got it back only twice, best of luck!

datlex

The best piece of financial advice regarding money to friends or relatives I heard was actually in an episode of Two and a Half Men. It was never loan money. Give money if you want to and can afford it. But never lend. It puts pressure on both parties both financially and emotionally. If you give money the other party may give you money back in return or indeed in future give it to a third party. But as far as you are concerned once you have given the money, that money is gone.

FailedTeacher

I agree with Datlex, I don't think is such a thing as lending/borrowing money between friends. Rather you gift money going they'll gift it back in kind.

Avoid Facebook shaming, I understand the premise but it can easily backfire. Be a gentleman about it.

zippygeorgeandben

If it was me I'd pay the £25 for small claims even if it just had the effect of making her worry about the consequences of not paying. She's played you for a fool so why not do the same. Give yourself 30 day gametime and then if no further, draw a line under it.
Then be friendly to someone else and invite them along instead!

jonesMUFCforever

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/small-claims-court#cost

Silvertabby

Is your nephew still going on the holiday? Might he want to bring another friend along? If so, just pay to change the name and move on.

Life's too short.