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Hey Ben! Are You Teaching People How To Become Intentional Debtors? Plus: What To Do When You Find Out Someone's Trying To Rip You Off And... Love Your Dog Or Cat? (How $$$ Much?)
April 24, 2003
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Dear Ben: I enjoy your columns and appreciate all you do for us "little people, "or at least the honest ones. However, there are some consumers out there who purposely abuse the system and become professional debtors, using their knowledge of the system to avoid paying bills they intentionally (and legally) incur. I'm a veterinarian and often work at a local emergency clinic. We know that people frequently don't expect the sometimes large vet bills that can come from an unforeseen tragedy, such as a dog hit by a car or cat attacked by a dog. Especially during lean economic times, we try to work with people the best we can-however-we must get paid to keep our doors open. There's no such thing as Medicaid for dogs...and no government subsidies when an owner doesn't pay their bill.
A few weekends ago an owner brought in their badly injured cat (a result of a dog attack). We gave them an estimate-which they signed-to authorize treatment. They gave us a credit card number as a deposit but after they left we discovered they had an outstanding balance for past services rendered. We don't typically "run" credit cards before a bill is final, but in this case decided to try to get an authorization on the card. Surprise! The card was no good, and the phone number/address they gave us on our "intake" paperwork was also bogus. When they called to check on their cat (which we continued to treat since the cat shouldn't have to suffer for having a dishonest owner) we tried to get a current phone number/address/valid credit card number for payment, they started using foul language.
They accused us of being "uncaring" and only interested in the money. It was (now) obvious these people had no intention of paying. I'm sure they've managed to get out of being harassed by business owners to whom they legitimately owe money by following your recommendations on how to keep from being harassed. Here's my question, Ben: What's a small business owner (or individual) supposed to do to prevent professional debtors from getting away with theft of services? Not all people who owe money are poor, hardworking souls down on their luck. Some know exactly what they're doing.
Michelle R., DVM
P.S.-They never picked up their cat and we're in the process of finding this sweet kitty a home. Ironically, if they had shown up-by law-we would've had to give them their cat without getting paid. We can't keep an animal as a lien against services already rendered.
Dear Michelle: First off, you're a hero to all of us that love animals and will go the extra mile (financially) to take care of them. Thank you for your compassion. But all of the love and compassion in the world ain't gonna pay the bills. The insights I share on my website and in my book
Back Off! The Definitive Guide To Stopping Collection Agency Harassment is clearly intended for consumers that have found themselves facing legitimate financial difficulties-not intentional debtors. Just because a steak knife can be used for more sinister purposes than its original intent doesn't mean that steak knives should be banned. In other words, there are always going to be people out there trying to screw the system. And the low-lifes that you recently encountered should be pursued through the criminal justice system, since it's obvious they never intended to pay you. They committed fraud and need to be made an example of. Even though it may be considered a low-priority crime by the District Attorney's office, persistence (or your part) will pay off if you're committed to the cause. And you might want to cut this column out and post it at the payment/patient intake window for future scammers to consider before they drop Fluffy off for a pricey procedure.
Dose of Dover For The Week: Love your pet? How much? Can you put a dollar figure on it? I can. Pet health insurance has blossomed into big business since it first surfaced over 20 years ago. Just like health insurance for humans, know what you're buying before you sign up. I've posted a new section about it on my website (so you don't end up barking up the wrong tree): www.bendover.com/pets.asp.
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