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Guerciotti · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 1:31 pm Post subject:

First I went to the bank, then I went to the police. Ultimately the bank personnel agreed I'm about to get stiffed and it takes, at most, two days to fix a bank error. I had another emergency to fix and the directions to the police office were less than perfect so I arrived at the police station around 4pm.

I love to call a spade a spade but the police were very professional. After I practiced my Chinese listening comprehension while waiting (my listening comprehension is goshawful) I met with an officer who listened, read everything - contract, emails, weixin messages, bank records - and said it is too late today, we will call you tomorrow. They have the school's phone number. They made copies of everything and drove me home.

Tomorrow will be interesting. Well, OK, it will be interesting for me.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Guerciotti · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 1:45 pm Post subject:

Listerine · Joined: 15 Jun 2014 Posts: 340

Good for you for having the stones to fight for what you're entitled to rather than just sitting back, grumbling and taking it in the ass. Too many cases of FTs just accepting getting screwed and sometimes kind of reinforces in the FAO's (or whoever is up to shenanigans') mind that we're an easy mark. Good luck tomorrow.

Guerciotti · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2014 2:30 pm Post subject:

Thanks Listerine. I don't know what will happen, but it is much better to fight. I have nothing to lose, unless they kick me out of the apartment!

bestteacher2012 · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 160

Is your school a public or private school?

Riff Raff · Joined: 09 Jun 2014 Posts: 85

Guerciotti - you did the right thing. What I would suggest:

The name of the person who has lied is at fault.

EDIT: Wait, I re-read your first post. You say "they." Who is "they?" END EDIT.

Talk with someone else in power at the school. The City FAO is a great idea. Explain that X employee(s) in X office has breached contract. Explain the proof you have and whom you've talked with. Be polite. Basically, make them aware that a specific employee is causing problems. Make it clear that the school has been very kind. It is just this one person or office, but, unfortunately, that person's thievery results in the school being named. Unless, of course, the bad apple is addressed by the powers that be at the school. Seek some resolution internally. Document it. Always stay polite.

Part of legal strategy in China, utilized by Chinese attorneys representing foreigners, is to draw in as many outside but qualified people as possible. People talking will get the issue noticed. The school will act to save face. And the more relevant people involved, the less likely the thieves can use your money buy off whomever you speak with. So, if the FAO or school boss cannot help, get a local lawyer to do it for you. At some point, an honorable person will help you. The bubble of corruption inside that office does not reflect all of China.

Stay ultra polite. If it were to go to trial, due to the school officials doing nothing, then also legally seek court costs. Most of all, legally seek a formal apology from the school as part of the settlement, preferably made officially and in public. If the school or someone helps get your money without going to court, politely say that a formal apology should be written, signed, and cropped by "they." Be very polite when making that known. In itself, it digs deep into traditional culture of China. The good people of China take it seriously. The bad ones laugh it off. "Honor is for the poor."