More details to this question:
Back in 2015 I rented a TV with Aaron's in Florida. Around March of last year, my toddler messed around and knocked the TV off the stand and it was damaged so I got rid of it and informed the worker at Aaron's that it was damaged and he said we can work something out, he was even trying to give me another TV. Now I have just received a call from some type of collections stating they will be taking me to court and do a wage garnishment unless I put a payment down now. I do not have that kind of money for I work part time, under low income housing, supporting 2 kids on my own and no family members that could help me. So she says they will proceed with court. How can they do this with damaged property and after I was told everything would be fine and even offered another TV of which I didn't accept? I haven't gotten documentation stating I will be taken to court yet but the woman on the phone says someone will be seeing me soon to order me to court. So what am I suppose to do now?
1 ANSWER
Consumer Debt Collector Harassment & Abuse Attorney serving Tampa, FL
Partner at
Tischhauser Law Group
2 Awards
Its possible some of the statements made may amount to a collections harassment lawsuit - especially if they do NOT actually take you to court to sue you for damages as threatened. If they DO, then its a much weaker case though a threat of wage garnishment is likely violation in and of itself as you are likelt exempt and they hhave no judgment yet. THAT stated, if you work part time, have 2 kids and live in public or subsidized housing you have no business "renting" tv's or other things you can't afford let alone expect that they get return broken and that "its all fine". Rent to Own businesses literally prey on people in your situation that want what they can't afford, gouge them for the items and then allow you to continue to ruin your credit for the effort. You need to NEVER use rent to own ANYTHING - period and make sure you live within your means for yourself and your children.
That stated, you needto contact a consumer lawyer immediately in regard to the collections threats as you may be able to sue them for damages for a collection harrassment issue and make them actually pay for the legal fees to do so. IN the meantime, if they do sue you, you will simply have to address that lawsuit if it happens as you are likely responsible for the damages to the TV.
Answered on Feb 03rd, 2017 at 8:03 AM
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