I was over at my parents house visiting and bought my 14 year old brother an xbox live membership because my parents didn't have the money and said the website was safe and it was only $ 8.00 bucks so I didn't have a problem with it... No biggie.
WELL...
I paid all my bills that same day leaving me with only a few bucks left in my bank account. A few days later I went online to check to see if my bills went through and found out I was a bit over $ 400 with overdraft fees in my checking, The banking that I did went through without overdrafting but there were 10 purchases made through xbox that were all overdrawn.. I immediatley called my brother who swore he didn't purchase any of these things and said his account was "Hacked" so I cancelled my debit card and called the bank/microsoft to speak with xbox. Well xbox says that it was infact my brothers account that purchased the items and gave me a list of what they were, I went over to my parents house to speak with my parents who then started yelling at my brother.. he then admitted to chargeing all of the items useing my debit card number. My parents said I could take his xbox and sell it but after doing research online on ebay and craigslist used xbox's don't sell for that much so I asked them to give me the rest of the money that he owes and they said no they don't have it and can't give me anything. I have a new baby and a family myself to take care of and cannot be dealing with being out $ 500 for him stealing my debit card number so the only option I feel like I am left with is Small Claims Court... I live in the state of Michigan, Do I have a case here? What are the odds that I will get this money back/can make my parents pay it since my brother is a minor?
Answer by heatherette
Legally you'd get it back but I don't think its worth losing your family over.
Answer by KMcG
Since your brother is a minor, your parents are responsible. for him. But do you really want the hard feelings that are sure to come if you sue your parents?
Take his x box and sell it, see if he's got anything else of value that you could sell to make up the difference. What ever the left over amount is, have him do work for you to pay it off, or get chores from neighbors to earn the money to pay you back. Yeah it sucks that he did that but suing your parents will take at least several months to do cost you more money and time and you may get nothing except a bad relationship with your parents.
I do hope your parents have imposed some punishment on him. Like being grounded until he's say 18.
Answer by George McCasland - Papa Bear
They are responsible for his actions, but first you need to notify them in writing that you are owed this money and need it within a designated period. Don't forget to include bank charges. You can also file criminal charges on your brother, which would teach him a lesson.
Answer by polo
That is going to make christmas dinner very awkward
Answer by mazdaspdracer
You probably have a case but you are really sad
Add your own answer in the comments!
Orignal From: Taking my parents to small claims court... Could I win my case? Anyone ever go through this.. Advice?
Post a Comment