Stealing items; no contract

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by cocaseco

Exactly, I'd do the same and let him pursue legal action. he likely can't or won't. Change the locks, put his stuff outside and be done. Definitly protect his stuff from the rain or theft.

The reason this is bad advice is because it's exactly what a scammer would expect a mark to do, and if you do it you've given them the upper hand.

Let's look at the facts as presented -

1) A few weeks ago, the tenant was able to convince OP to let them move into their house
2) OP was so confident that this person was 'on the level' that he/she didn't bother to verify ability to pay rent upon move in
3) Tenant bounces first rent payment
4) Tenant steals from OP

Now to me, someone who goes from 'trusted' to 'deadbeat thief' over the course of 2-3 weeks is more than likely a con-artist. Assuming instead that they're merely an idiot is only going to dig OP in deeper.

[cocaseco]

Originally Posted by mkarch

The reason this is bad advice is because it's exactly what a scammer would expect a mark to do, and if you do it you've given them the upper hand.

Let's look at the facts as presented -

1) A few weeks ago, the tenant was able to convince OP to let them move into their house
2) OP was so confident that this person was 'on the level' that he/she didn't bother to verify ability to pay rent upon move in
3) Tenant bounces first rent payment
4) Tenant steals from OP

Now to me, someone who goes from 'trusted' to 'deadbeat thief' over the course of 2-3 weeks is more than likely a con-artist. Assuming instead that they're merely an idiot is only going to dig OP in deeper.

First it's not "bad advice" except in your opinion. Please don't present your opinion as a fact. Given the language you used I suspect you have been watching too much TV. See how I did that? I said suspect rather than an absolute that you were. That's what makes it an opinion. let me know if you need more help with that.

Second, your summary of the facts while entertaining, offers nothing to support your claim of "bad advice". It merely regurgitates what was said, and then adds your opinion to the end. Now there's nothing wrong with your opinion, but I was disappointed as I expected a more meaty response and breakdown of the flaws in my logic. My bad for setting high expectations.

I stand by the advise. It secures his home and removes they guy's access. If you violated some law, oh well let him take you to court. It's a civil matter so the OP won't get arrested and no judge will make him open his home to this guy. In all likelihood the guy has no resources from which he could launch any type of legal battle and will just go away.

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by cocaseco

First it's not "bad advice" except in your opinion. Please don't present your opinion as a fact. Given the language you used I suspect you have been watching too much TV. See how I did that? I said suspect rather than an absolute that you were. That's what makes it an opinion. let me know if you need more help with that.

Second, your summary of the facts while entertaining, offers nothing to support your claim of "bad advice". It merely regurgitates what was said, and then adds your opinion to the end. Now there's nothing wrong with your opinion, but I was disappointed as I expected a more meaty response and breakdown of the flaws in my logic. My bad for setting high expectations.

I stand by the advise. It secures his home and removes they guy's access. If you violated some law, oh well let him take you to court. It's a civil matter so the OP won't get arrested and no judge will make him open his home to this guy. In all likelihood the guy has no resources from which he could launch any type of legal battle and will just go away.

Sorry buddy, advising someone to do something illegal is not great advice. Why not just suggest he put on a ski mask, grab a crowbar and wait for the guy in a dark alley? While certainly *more* illegal, it's probably more likely to affect the outcome he wants.

[northsea]

To prevent identity theft, be sure to either add a fraud alert or place a freeze on your credit files with Experian, Equifax and Transunion as soon as possible.