I fired Pirate Propane and told them to come and get their propane tank approx.4/2008.The reason was faulty (leaking) equipment they would not fix, as well as a alleged unpaid bill they would not reasonably discuss over the phone. Well i pulled up my bank records and took them in to their office, showing I had prepaid for the order in question. It was 200 gal. totaling $522.90, the secretary got out a ledger and scribbled all over it, etc, anyway, bottom line is they actually owe me about $100.00, and the tank is still here.I thought it was straightened out when i left there, but then i began receiving letters stating that that was some other payment etc, and that I owed them for something else in 2006, which is not true.
Well come 12/26/2009 I was served a civil complaint on this bill for $522.90, in which they "swear that I owe it and that I have refused or failed to pay etc.I still have a copy of that ledger I insisted upon before leaving, and have since found the original receipt, which shows a different invoice number that is not mentioned on the ledger, at first I thought perhaps they were just confused, but now I feel they are committing fraud purposely.I see no other reason why anyone would try this, obviously bank9ing on me not having the actual receipt (LOL). I am again sleepless tonight since it is quite upsetting. Thing about the complaint "summons" is that it states that I must file a response within 20 days of being served, or judgment by default will be ruled in their favor . I went to the clerk of that court and I can not just show receipts etc, or file them without a lawer and following civil procedure apparently.This combined with the date they filed (12/16) further leads me to believe that they are trying to defraud myself and the legal system. I am to call legal aid Monday to get qualified for assistance, as like many, I am laid off at the moment -and have been for some time. How do I file fraud charges-criminal ones?Any suggestions as to how to go about finding a civil lawyer on commission? Lastly I also feel I should bill them for storage for the tank, which, incidentally, they are apparently selling to the local fire chief where I live, according to the chief, when I called to complain about the tank being a hazard.(they supposedly agreed to change the valve on it upon sale;though I am pretty sure it also seeps through the tank walls, its that old and paint is falling off of it in large chips. PERSONALLY I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS .It IS CRAZY, in my opinion.
I happen to be neighbors and friends with the fire chief, as I am ex fire dept (volunteer), but I am afraid that I am going to have to take steps here. Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated.