Can I sue someone for never paying me back?

Asked by: Joe Wunsch  |  Last update: September 3, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (23 votes)

If someone owes you money, you can file a lawsuit to get it back.

Can you sue someone if they don't pay you back?

Yes, you can sue someone who owes you money. When someone keeps "forgetting" to pay you or flat out refuses to pay up, the situation can quickly become frustrating. You can take the issue to small claims court and pursue legal action if it falls between the minimum and maximum money thresholds under court rules.

What can you do if someone doesn't pay you back?

  • File a court action ( sue them) in either small claims or municipal court.
  • Hire a collections firm or collections attorney to pursue them
  • Keep sending them notices that they owe you money, and demand payment

What to do if someone isn't giving my money back?

Taking them to small claims court is the most common way to resolve such a dispute. Fees are very low and no attorneys are usually allowed in small claims court. Just be prepared to PROVE they owe you the money. ``He said, she said'' will not win you a dime.

Is it a crime if someone doesn't pay you back?

While debt collectors can no longer have you jailed or threaten to have you arrested for not paying your debts, there are a few instances in which you can be incarcerated with debt as the underlying cause. For example, a debt collector can sue you and, if you fail to comply with court orders, you could get jail time.

How can I force someone to pay me money that they owe me?

27 related questions found

Is it worth suing someone with no money?

Essentially, you might think suing someone with no money is futile, but that's not the case. The law protects your rights and allows you to seek compensation if someone causes you harm or loss, regardless of their financial status.

Can you go to the police if someone owes you money?

It is a civil matter, not criminal, so the police are not going to get involved. You have to sue and go after her and get a judgment. If she does not pay, you can then enforce it and go after money or assets.

What to do if someone refuses to refund money?

Get Outside Help
  1. Contact your state attorney general or state consumer protection office. ...
  2. Contact a national consumer organization. ...
  3. Contact your local Better Business Bureau The Better Business Bureau is made up of organizations supported by local businesses. ...
  4. File a report with the FTC.

How do you deal with someone who never pays you back?

If the person doesn't pay you back, let him know your frustrations, but ultimately forgive him and move on. In the end, it will save your relationship and keep you from being an angry person who lost a close friend.

Is there a legal way to get money back from someone?

The answer is yes, so long as the amount you want to sue them is within the small claims limit of your local small claims court.

How to file a lawsuit with no money?

Contingency means that your lawyer will agree to take on your case and represent you without requiring any payment upfront, allowing you to file a case with no money. Your lawyer will only receive payment for their services if and when you reach a positive resolution and some form of compensation in your case.

Can you sue someone who promised you money?

The short answer is yes, you may have a claim for someone who broke a promise to you. Now, depending on the nature of that promise, we may have different types of the cause of action that could be brought. The most common that I see is a breach of contract.

How to collect money from someone who owes you?

  1. Use a Promissory Note. We can't stress this enough: if you're going to loan a business or other individual any substantial sum of money, put it in writing. ...
  2. Be respectful and polite. ...
  3. Put your requests for payment in writing. ...
  4. Think about a Debt Settlement Agreement. ...
  5. Call in the big guns.

Can you sue for not getting back pay?

Workers who are not paid on time or who are not paid for their work have a right to recover any back pay that they are owed. They can also recover penalties that are assessed against their employers under either the Private Attorneys General Act or under Cal. Lab. Code 210.

What is the lowest amount you can sue someone for?

While most courts don't have a strict minimum amount you can sue for, the practical minimum is usually determined by the small claims court filing fee, which can range from around $25 to $50, meaning you would need to be suing for at least that amount to make it worthwhile to file a lawsuit; however, the maximum amount ...

What happens if you don't pay someone back?

The collection agency might sue you to get payment. Depending on the outcome of the lawsuit, the court might put a lien on your home or garnish your wages to repay what you owe.

Is it a crime to not pay someone back?

Of course, it is against the law, not to repay, what was borrowed amount of money. If it will be from your bank, credit cards, and private loan. If is not gift, borrowed money, must be payd back, according to agreement between borrower, and other party.

What to do if someone doesn't return money?

Here are the legal steps that you can take if someone has not returned your money:
  1. Gathering Evidence. ...
  2. Open Communication. ...
  3. Send A Demand Letter. ...
  4. Consultation with An Attorney. ...
  5. File A Civil Suit. ...
  6. File A Criminal Suit. ...
  7. Settlement Outside Of The Court.

How to deal with someone who owes you money?

Contact the person with whom you have a dispute in person, in writing or telephonically and ask them to settle your claim. If the person owing your money has not paid the claim in 14 days, go to the small claims court with: a copy of the letter of demand.

Can the BBB get me a refund?

Having the BBB mediate your complaint can sometimes result in a refund, but the BBB isn't able to force companies to fix the dispute. There are a few other places where you can report a problem that might or might not result in getting your money back.

Can you sue for not getting a refund?

In conclusion, it is possible to sue a company for not refunding your money if they have breached their contract or violated consumer protection laws. Seeking legal advice and understanding your rights as a consumer is crucial in determining the best course of action in such situations.

What happens if someone refuses a refund?

If you can't get the support you need from the retailer in the form of a refund, repair or replacement, you can file a complaint with the company. If that still doesn't help, you can contact the Consumer Ombudsman.

Can you go to jail if you don't pay someone back?

No, you cannot be arrested for defaulting on a payday loan. However, if you are sued or a court judgment has been entered against you and you ignore a court order to appear, a judge may issue a warrant for your arrest. You should never ignore a court order.

Can I file a police report for someone not paying me back?

The police may be able to go after him and get your money back. If not, then you can file a lawsuit and sue him to recover it. Yes you can, a police report as per above.

What happens if someone sues you and you have no money?

The plaintiff might attempt wage garnishment or bank account levies. Some defendants might be considered “judgment proof” if they have no assets. Possible Outcomes and Future Collection: Judgments remain active for several years and could be renewed.