Jamaica houseowner scams builder

LegalWiz



QUESTION: Dear Legal Wiz.

I came across your column and am seeking your input.

I worked for a friend of my friend. Each time I finished a part of the house, the woman asked me to do another section and told me she loved my work. After the house was done, the woman left Jamaica without paying me or my workers. After six months she came back and when I asked her for my money, she told me she was not paying me because she found so many faults, she ended up paying some else to correct them.
I need my money and I went and checked and found no changes. Changes she herself could not show me nor explain. Can I take her to court as she now claims that she does not live in Jamaica? I am so embarrassed because I could not take home anything to my children for the holidays and my workmen are so angry.

Thanks

Tray Douglas

RESPONSE: Dear Tray,
Your account is interesting. You did not say if you even got a deposit. The bottom line though is that it appears you joined a long line of workers in Jamaica who continue to be scammed in this way. You should truley file a claim against the woman. There are ways you can serve her. Unfortunately, the bailiff office does not look for persons they are to serve however. At the time the summons need to be served, you may need to rely on a private process server or consider tracking the woman for her exact location before giving it to the court bailiff to serve.
Bear in mind that cases more than one million dollars must be filed at the Supreme court.
Legal Wiz




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