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Can I legally put up a web site stating that my client refuses to pay their $422 bill for services rendered?

5:49 pm in SOA Answers by

I have a long time client who is over 90 days past due on two invoices. I went there today and they said they were going through a divorce and then that I didn’ t do some of the work correctly and they were trying but they didn’t have any idea when they could get me paid. I want to put up a web site saying that they are deliquent. Is this legal and are there any legal issues that I have to be wary of?

3 Comments »

3 Responses to Can I legally put up a web site stating that my client refuses to pay their $422 bill for services rendered?

Jay P said: On September 3, 2010

Technically it’s legal. As long as what you say is factual, you are not committing slander of defamation. For example, you can say "Bob has not paid his bills." But you cannot really say ‘Bob is a deadbeat." So yes you can do this.

But do you really think it’s going to help? Do you really think you’re going to get your money by posting a website? Also, how many people do you really think are going to view it. Just try to correct your work if it is wrong, and file a case is small claims court for failure to pay for service rendered.
STEVEN F said: On September 3, 2010

I can GUARANTEE posting this will harm YOU much more than it will harm the customer. Those that believe you won’t do business with you because their name could be next. Those that don’t believe you, would prefer you never heard of them for the same reason.

You can SUE if you wish, but posting anything online CAN’T help you collect.

Actually, I believe the Fair Debt Collections Practices act in the US makes it a Federal crime to disclose to a 3rd party that ANYONE owes you money.
CatDad said: On September 3, 2010

If the person is local….take them to small claims court.
You can file complaints against people and companies at this website:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/

However, I really would not recommend this…It would just provoke them and make them angry…and the probability of getting your money would drop to zero percent.
Honestly, this is just a part of running a small business….there will always be clients who won’t pay. Just be glad that the amount is what it is and not in the thousands of dollars.