internet shopping how to get a refund

cessie

I have had a real battle with a purchase I made online. I ordered an item and the money went out of my account the following day (back in January).
I was told the item was out of stock and was due in 3-5 days. Since then I have chased and chased to demand a refund as the item has never appeared. I have sent recorded letters and left messages on their answerphone, but no replies. Have contacted trading standards but they never got back to me either. Think the business must have gone under as only ever get the answer phone - what can I do?

soolin

The most important question how exactly did you pay?

You say the money went out of your account, was this a purchase via a credit card or via a debit card, if a debit card is it a Visa debit?

Was the site you bought from a proper website, is it still there and have you checked when it was registered and who to?

cessie

thank you - the money went via my maestro debit card
have checked and website is still there and have found out who it was registered to and when - not sure where to go from here?

soolin

You could try your bank but as it isn't a Visa debit I doubt you will get very far. Is there a company address showing on the website, if so see if you can track down an alternative telephone number for them via directories.