Good Deed Gone Wrong in Sacramento
- A Sacramento woman's attempt to donate her car to charity took a turn for the worse.
- The woman ended up facing unexpected consequences after her act of kindness.
- What was meant to be a good deed ended in unforeseen challenges for the woman.
SACRAMENTO – A Sacramento woman, Vickie Balog, found herself in a troubling situation after donating her car to the Sacramento SPCA in 2019. Initially intending to help animals in need, Balog was shocked to receive multiple toll violations and fees for a vehicle she no longer owned. The issue arose because the new owner failed to register the car in their name, leaving Balog as the last registered owner. Over the past four and a half years, Balog has been inundated with a series of toll violations, tickets, and storage fees, culminating in a staggering $4,310 collections notice for tow and storage fees from May 2022. Frustrated and overwhelmed, she described the experience as a "nightmare," highlighting the challenges faced by individuals who donate vehicles without ensuring proper registration by the new owner. Experts emphasize that when a vehicle is sold or donated, the previous owner remains liable for any violations until the new owner registers the vehicle. Balog's case serves as a cautionary tale for others considering similar charitable acts. To avoid such issues, it is recommended that donors accompany the new owner to the DMV to complete the registration process. Fortunately for Balog, she has learned that if proper procedures were followed, including submitting a release of liability form, she can request documentation from the DMV to absolve her of responsibility for the violations incurred after the donation.