What to do if someone took your money and is not returning?

Asked by: Isabell Koss  |  Last update: November 13, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (50 votes)

If all attempts to resolve the matter amicably fail, it may be time to seek legal advice. Consult with an attorney who specializes in debt recovery and contract law. They can review your case, advise you on the best course of action, and guide you through the legal process.

What can I do if someone won't give me my money back?

You can consult a lawyer and file a lawsuit in a small claims court, or consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. Consider debt collection agencies: If the individual still refuses to pay, you can consider hiring a debt collection agency to recover the money on your behalf.

Can I make a police report if someone owes me money?

No, the police will not do anything about your claim that somebody owes you money. To get the police involved you would first have to prove your claim in court and then get a court order to retrieve some property; in that case the sheriff could come and help you enforce the order of the court.

How to legally get your money back from someone?

What to Do If Someone Owes You Money and Won't Pay Back
  1. Introduction: ...
  2. Open Communication: Establish a Paper Trail. ...
  3. Send a Demand Letter. ...
  4. Small Claims Court. ...
  5. Mediation. ...
  6. Arbitration. ...
  7. File a Lawsuit in Civil Court. ...
  8. Obtaining a Judgment.

What can you do if someone doesn't return your money?

One way or the other you can have a lawyer first send her a demand letter. That would put her on official notice that she has an obligation to return your funds and give her a deadline by which you would expect to see some money.

Return My Money Spells That Get You Paid Fast

42 related questions found

Is it illegal to not pay someone back money?

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 to do if someone takes your money?

If the fraud occurred in your local community, you could also report the matter to the police and your district attorney. You may need to file a police report if you plan to file an insurance claim for fraud losses. Also contact your state financial regulator or attorney general.

What to do if someone never pays you back?

Common debt recovery options include:
  1. Mediation. ...
  2. Statutory demand. ...
  3. County Court claims. ...
  4. Bankruptcy proceedings. ...
  5. A company winding-up petition.

How do I get someone to return my money?

Recover debts owed to you
  1. Contacting the person or company who owes you money.
  2. Using mediation to reach agreement over debt dispute.
  3. Using a solicitor.
  4. Using a debt recovery agency.
  5. Recovering debts through the courts.
  6. Claiming online.

Can you sue someone for not returning money?

Yes, if you lent someone money and they never paid you back you can sue for the money they owe you. Additionally, you do not need a contract to sue someone for money owed, however, if there is a contract or some type of written agreement or evidence of an agreement this will be useful in court.

Can you go to the police if someone doesn't pay you back?

Unless the matter also involves violence or an immediate threat there is really not much that the police can do for you if someone owes you money on a loan. More likely, the police will direct you to sue them in court, and depending on the amount you are owed you can file the lawsuit in small claims court.

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.

Should you report identity theft to local police?

ID theft victims should reach out to law enforcement

If you are a victim of identity theft, you should file a police report with the law enforcement agency closest to where you live.

What happens if you sue someone and they can't pay?

The California statute of limitations for filing a judgment is ten years. If the debtor cannot pay or complete payment within this time, you must renew the judgment. The judgment must continue to be renewed to ensure the debtor pays the full amount.

How do I get someone to return something?

Steps
  1. Be forward about asking for it back. Be bold and come out with your request. ...
  2. Ask a question about it. By inquiring about the item you'll be less confrontational. ...
  3. Send a message regarding the item. A message allows you to be direct without having to confront your friend. ...
  4. Constantly bring it up.

What to do when a friend doesn't return money?

State a situation to your friend that shows your dire need and urgency for money. Give him a time frame so that he can make arrangements. And make it look like an emergency. If he fails to return it back even with an intent to help you back, consider you have made a permanent loss of money.

Is it illegal to not pay someone back?

A loan between private individuals carries essentially the promise and responsibility to repay the loan.,,, and when the lender has a contract, a promissory note, or an IOU that was signed by the borrower agreeing to pay it back, the lender can take the borrower to court.

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.

When you lend someone money and they don't pay back?

It is legal to lend money, and when you do, the debt becomes the borrower's legal obligation to repay. For smaller loans, you can take legal action against your borrower if they do not pay by taking them to small claims court. This may seem harsh, but it's important to understand up front.

Can you report someone who doesn't pay you back?

Workers in California have the right to file a wage claim when their employers do not pay them the wages or benefits they are owed. A wage claim starts the process to collect on those unpaid wages or benefits. Wage claims can be filed online, by email, mail or in person.

Can you go to jail for owing someone money?

It's possible to serve jail time if you've failed to pay your federal taxes or make child support payments. You can't go to jail merely for owing credit card, student loan, personal loan or other types of debt, which we'll explain below.

What if my friend doesn't pay me back?

If you've loaned someone money, you have every right to ask for it back. Pick an appropriate place and time, then ask them kindly but directly. If necessary, offer to set up a repayment plan and mutually agree to this plan in writing. As a last resort, you may take legal action to recoup your cash.

How do I report someone who took my money?

You've been scammed and lost money
  1. Immediately report the transaction(s) to your bank or financial institution.
  2. Complete a report through ReportCyber.
  3. Stop all communication with the offender.
  4. Report the scam account to the social media or other platform they used to engage with you.

Can you call the police if someone steals money from you?

For all types of financial crime you should contact at least the following agencies: Local police or law enforcement to report the crime and obtain a police report. Your bank(s) to report the crime and explore any possible resources the bank has available. Local District Attorney.

Is it worth pressing charges for theft?

Legal Implications of Pressing Charges

Restitution: Pressing charges could lead to financial recovery for you if the court mandates restitution. Future Consequences for the Offender: Your decision could impact the future of the person who committed the theft—it's essential to weigh this carefully.