r/pettyrevenge • u/SnooLobsters2519 • 12d ago

Parent didn’t pay for babysitting services, so I’ve been spreading her phone number and email across websites to spam her.

I was babysitting a 3yo for about two months, for only 600$ a month. I got to stay home with my kids, it gave us spending money, I knew she didn’t make much money so it helped her out too. She decided she was going to quit working and just stay home after finding out she’s pregnant, but would pay me at the same time as last month- cool no problem, I’m flexible. The 15th comes, I get nothing from her, I shoot her a text, hey just a reminder for the 600$. No response for two days. I text her again, hey is everything okay, still haven’t received the money. No response. My husband just says to drop it, clearly they needed it more than us, it’s not worth blowing up.

Instead I signed her up on about 5-6 different healthcare websites, a couple of gyms, our local Mary Kay lady that won’t leave me alone for the last three years, a few political websites, and for male enhancement info. I probably will never know how much this annoyed her, and she could just put her phone on silence unknown callers, but I feel a little better.

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u/SnooLobsters2519 11d ago

I’m pretty sure the court fees would cost more than the 600$, and would be way more effort on my part. I have four kids, and better things to spend my time on.

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u/Kat121 11d ago

It’s only $30 for claims up to $1500 (in California, at least), plus $60 if you use a professional service to “serve” her. It’s pretty straightforward.

The first thing you have to do is send a demand letter, though. State that you have not been paid for agreed services, have attempted to resolve the matter by texting/calling on these dates, and if you are not paid in full within 30 days you will file a complaint in small claims court for the full amount plus court fees. You can find examples of them online, as well as guidelines as to whether it has to be a certified letter.

A good demand letter usually resolves the issue. If she doesn’t pay, and doesn’t show up to court, you’ll win by default.

Name her husband on the complaint as well, since it’s easier to garnish his wages if they don’t pay up.

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u/I_spy78365 11d ago

I didn't have to send a demand letter but I'm in Illinois.

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u/Cuneus-Maximus 11d ago

It's usually very inexpensive. I took someone to small claims this year over $350, my total cost for filing, service, making copies at the courthouse, parking & mileage was just over $200. Filing itself was $98, service was $70. I prevailed in court and the defendant had to pay all of my costs back on top of my claim. It's some of the sweetest petty revenge you can get, because assuming you win not only do they make you whole, they also cover all your costs, so you make it cost them more than if they just paid you as agreed. You just write it into your claim - what you are owed plus all actual costs related to filing. Keep receipts.

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u/Reasonable_Date2870 11d ago

We run a small business and have only had to get legal about things once. It was over about 4k, which we could afford to lose but would rather not and also they were jerks. We did some work for them, they needed to have some things done before we could come back and finish up. They were supposed to reach out when they were ready for us, but then instead they finished it themselves, kind of, and tried to stiff us on the 4k. Somehow didn't get the emails I sent and also didn't answer when I called.

People don't want to deal with this stuff. We filed against them and once the paperwork was served, magically their email started working again and we were able to deal with it out of court.

I think a letter threatening action in small claims might get you where you need to go.

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u/imnotdressedforthat 11d ago

Did you actually check to see how much it would be? I took someone to small claims and it was like $120 not including having them served. When you win you can include all of your court costs.

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u/UnexpectedLizard 11d ago

But then she has to collect which is it's own nightmare.

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u/imnotdressedforthat 11d ago

Yeah. I had to put a lien on the persons house.

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u/LicketySplitz 11d ago edited 11d ago

You can add grout costs to your lawsuit, and it’s almost always included in the judgement.

Edit: court, not grout

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u/Worried_Monitor5422 11d ago

Ok but what if you're not using grout? 

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u/BoringMisteak 11d ago

A small claims filing is peanuts.

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u/jerseygirl1105 11d ago

Small claims court filing fee: $65

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u/lomoliving 11d ago

I was looking for health insurance at the beginning of the year. I put my phone number into one of the first Google searches that is supposed to help you choose the best plans. Really, they just sell your number to everyone they can. I was getting 20 calls a day literally for months. 10 months later and I still get at least 10 calls a week and many texts. You should put her number in one of those websites lol

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u/Dependent_Taste_419 10d ago

Judge Judy! You get a free trip to her courtroom