If you break up with someone after lying to them, and they sent you money based on the lie, and they keep trying to find and talk to you through not only your contact but also the few friends and professional environments, what should you do?
It is important to set boundaries and make it clear that you do not want to be contacted. If the person continues to contact you, it is important to document the attempts and contact the authorities if necessary. It is also important to reach out to friends and family for support and to ensure your safety.
However, if the person attempting to contact you has legal precedence for doing so, such as attempting to recuperate damages, or serving you with a summons to appear in court, then their attorney may continue to try to contact you in order to pursue further legal action.
In a perfect legal system, societal power or societal sway should have no effect on the outcome of a case.
The outcome of the case should be decided by a fair judge (and/or jury) based purely on the facts relevant to the case.
In your example, if you have lied to someone, and you received money based on the lie, then you will be liable for damages (plus court costs, attorney fees, interest, etc.) regardless of the social standing of either party.
What if the person is a seemingly powerful person in society or has more social sway than I do?
If you find yourself in a situation where someone is persistently trying to contact you after a breakup following a lie and has even involved your friends and professional environments, it is important to prioritize your safety and well-being. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation:
1. Block their contact: Begin by blocking their phone number, email address, and any other means they might use to reach out to you. Most messaging platforms and social media applications have built-in features that allow you to block specific users.
2. Inform your friends and colleagues: Reach out to your friends and colleagues and let them know about the situation. Explain to them that you have ended the relationship and that you do not wish to have any further contact with the individual. Ask them politely to refrain from providing any personal information about you to the person in question.
3. Keep evidence: In case the situation escalates, it is important to gather and keep evidence of any harassment or unwanted contact. Take screenshots, record messages, and keep a detailed record of any incidents. This evidence may be useful if you decide to involve law enforcement later on.
4. Consider legal action: If the harassment continues despite your efforts to cut off contact, you may need to involve the authorities. Consult with a lawyer to discuss your options and see if a restraining order or other legal measures are appropriate.
5. Strengthen your privacy: Review and update your privacy settings on social media platforms and other online accounts. Make sure you are only sharing personal information with trusted individuals and limit the visibility of your profiles to minimize the chances of unwanted contact.
6. Seek support: Dealing with persistent harassment from an ex-partner can be emotionally challenging. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or seek professional support from a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance and help you cope with the situation.
Remember, in situations of harassment or stalking, your safety is paramount. Take steps to protect yourself and consider involving law enforcement if the behavior persists or escalates.