Ultimate After Party - County Court Judgement

bigJim49

Further to our post #43, we've now had a chance to speak more fully with our son (who's at uni.) re this. He thought yesterday that he should 'phone the rep to ask what's going on as obviously he is really worried and feels responsible. We've tried to assure him that we believe it to be at worse a scam or at best (to give this company any credit) badly managed and as such have advised him not to make contact as it will probably (according to others) prove to be fruitless.

He had, in fact, been contacted many, many times by the rep on his mobile 'phone to persuade him to go on this weekend reunion. He explained that as he's got uni work to do and being a student money is tight he just didn't think it was something he or his friends could commit to. As his friends names were listed on the bar crawl form he was asked for their numbers which reluctantly he ended up giving. Then they were constantly 'phoned, to the point my son says that they all felt harassed!
During the last call the rep said that she needed the go ahead if she were to secure the booking of the room as it had to be booked that day. They said they would phone her by the cut off time (9pm) only if they wanted to go. After this they felt that they had said no and didn't answer any more calls. She left a message to say that she really needed to sort it out with them, and then that she "would have to pass it over"?

If this is legit, why wasn't it mentioned during any of these numerous conversations that he being the lead passenger had already entered into a legally binding contract and that if they didn't go he would be liable for this 'balance'. Even the balance according to their figures doesn't add up!
Where is any earlier posted communication asking for an outstanding balance. Surely a 'holiday' company must follow a process of communication if they think a customer has reneged on a 'contract' way before a 'legal' threat of this magnitude?

Where is any information/sales literature/holiday camp brochure/pamphlet detailing where it was they were going to/getting for the said package? My son thinks it is "'up North' somewhere, he's not even sure if is Pontins or Butlins".

Just thought I'd add these points as they occur to us in case it helps others just as this forum has helped us.

p.s. my son wanted to pay it to make the threat of debt collectors go away for us!

graeme965

Hey, just a post to say I am in the exact same situation as people here, I signed up for me and a friend although to be fair, I remember very little of doing so (due to obvious reasons) and certainly wasn't told about the fact that the balance would have to be paid whether I went or not and of the potention repercussions.

I today received a letter similar to what people have described above, exceept mine is listed "FINAL" NOTICE OF INTENTION TO RECOVER OUTSTANDING MONIES. The letter seems slightly more professional than some of the others above with only a couple of small grammatical errors (this will effect your credit rating instead of affect and a couple of other things). But otherwise it seemed quite legit. I initially thought it was a debt collection agency as I have been threatened with this on the phone, and the letter says "we are instructed by BCM reunion to collect the below debt". However, when I went on to the BCM Reunion website, the address and phone number are the same as those given in the GHPE letter, therefore, it's the same thing. As above, they are threatening legal action which will affect credit rating etc. I must admit I was considering just getting it over with and paying until I read all of this. But now I'm even worried that if I paid they'd have my account no. and could do whatever they wanted with it.

Don't think I'll be going to Magaluf anytime soon after this.

Hope everyone keeps posting with further developments
Graeme

dojonik

Hi , my daughter has received a letter also threatening her with court action or instructing a debt collection agency for the same thing. I have spoken to G.H.P.E LTD and they just contradict each other. The event was supposed to take place at pontins on 12-15 november but has now been postponed til January 2011 at Butlins Bognor Regis. I pointed out that there are too many breeches in contract, change of date and place and was told they had a right to do it if i read terms and condition, however if you read terms and conditions it does say they can change place and entertainment but i can see nothing that states they can change the date. Also i have been in contact with Pontins and Butlins and neither have any knowledge of this event taking place. I have written to watchdog and have a solicitor should one become needed. I would advise anyone else in the same position to seek legal advise and not send any money as i think this just seems to be one big SCAM. I am also contacting my local police about this matter.

Nicky2

graeme965 wrote: »

Hey, just a post to say I am in the exact same situation as people here, I signed up for me and a friend although to be fair, I remember very little of doing so (due to obvious reasons) and certainly wasn't told about the fact that the balance would have to be paid whether I went or not and of the potention repercussions.

I today received a letter similar to what people have described above, exceept mine is listed "FINAL" NOTICE OF INTENTION TO RECOVER OUTSTANDING MONIES. The letter seems slightly more professional than some of the others above with only a couple of small grammatical errors (this will effect your credit rating instead of affect and a couple of other things). But otherwise it seemed quite legit. I initially thought it was a debt collection agency as I have been threatened with this on the phone, and the letter says "we are instructed by BCM reunion to collect the below debt". However, when I went on to the BCM Reunion website, the address and phone number are the same as those given in the GHPE letter, therefore, it's the same thing. As above, they are threatening legal action which will affect credit rating etc. I must admit I was considering just getting it over with and paying until I read all of this. But now I'm even worried that if I paid they'd have my account no. and could do whatever they wanted with it.

Don't think I'll be going to Magaluf anytime soon after this.

Hope everyone keeps posting with further developments
Graeme

Hi Graeme please note that the debt letters cannot affect your credit rating! I have been advised by a solicitor as I was worried about this also - please note the only way this can go forward is if it is taken to a small claims court (which this company will have to pay for )and if this so called company win (which is highly unlikey) you will be given 30 days to pay the balance, then if you dont pay it will be either the bailiffs or then you will have your credit rating affected, I have been emailed back from Pontins management today to say that their directors are now investigating this and I have also asked them to publish this scam so it will stop people from worrying.
I have spoken to consumer direct and have been advised by them to send a recorded letter advising this company that nothing will be paid to them till they send copies of hard evidence of where and when this event will be taking place! this will then be passed to either Pontins and Butlins who will hopefully take legal action against this scum company.

DailyClicker

I'm extremely shocked, and very angry at how this company is still operating a year later. I've received numerous PMs about the problems people are facing and just wanted to update you on what happened to myself last year.

I started this thread over a year ago, when my friends and I fell victims of this scam. Unfortunately my friend who was the 'main group leader' who signed the contract, gave them his card details and they obviously took the money out.

We tried to get a Visa Chargeback done, but the bank rejected this. He was very scared at what the consequences would be if he didn't give them his card details. We never even got the tickets in the end, even after paying (not that we would of gone!!)

Looking back on it, I wish I had signed the "contract" as I definitely would not of backed down, and would of been willing for them to try it on in court if they would of taken it that far.

Please please please DO NOT pay any money to this company/fraudsters. Especially if the event has been cancelled and they do not even have a new venue or confirmed date.

If they are constantly calling you, report this to the Police as harrasment. If everyone reports this company to Watchdog, hopefully they will not be around next year, taking advantage of more young people.

I'm very sure they are just using scare tactics, because they know themselves they have absolutely NO chance or right in taking anymore money from anyone.

Lets keep this thread going, and be a good resource for anyone having problems with this company.

Hope we can get this sorted soon

roadiegirl

Long time lurker, first time poster! This really outraged me though, the same thing has happened to me and my friends, but we keep ignoring them and it seems they have stopped (for the time being anyway!). We only paid for the bar crawl, and were never told about the reunion! Now there saying because we signed this form (which was just so they could keep records of clients-sounded fairly legit in the blazing Magaluf sun after a few cocktails!) They will cease (eventually!) and will move on to the next group of unsuspecting holiday makers!

jenniferp28

when my friend initaially signed the form, we were under the impression that we had to sign it to even go on the bar crawl. Like i posted above, we were told we would have information sent to us regarding the reunion and are under no obligation to actually go and could cancel it at a later date.
Im furious because she has received a letter yesterday threatening with court now if the outstanding monies isnt paid within 72 hours. I too wish I had signed the form now because i would be laughing if they actually did attempt to take me to court, whereas my friend is really upset at the thought of paying.
It would cost BCM and GHPE ltd an extortionate amount of money to take everyone to a small claims court - something i very much doubt they would do as they only seem interested in scamming people out of money!

grrrr... they make me so MAD!!! it really has put me off ever going back to magaluf!

leonswee

Hey, yet another one that this 'company' is trying to rip off.

Think I have the best typo yet......'there is an overdue amount for you and five friends at £99 each, a total owed of £712. Some genius mathmatics there! plus is the third new adress on the 'please send cheques to' section. Or gives the option of ringing a mobile number to pay by card, yeah alright I'll ring someones mobile and give them my credit card details!

BTW, I sent them an email within the 14days cancellation period, and have since forwarded that email and also had no invoice which there T's and C's say you would. They claim they never received email and terms state 'we are not responsible for any undelivered mail or email bouncebacks, how convenient!!

Also, I have spoken to Pontins, they are aware, and I quote 'This is happening and has nothing to do with Pontins, our company name is being used without permission or legal right'. Oh and the dates state 12th to 15th november for this 'reunion' - they have now changed the dates to January, not part of their allowed, though completely rediculous conditions. I wouldn't be too worried people!

Anyone gets a court date let us all know and we'll all come along, and help sue them for harassment and defamation. (if taken to public court!)

Ellie_May_3

I decided to Google this company and came across this web site.


This what happened to us:


We booked our reunion tickets in October 2010 – after coming back from Spain. We have received a telephone call, followed up by e-mail confirming the event will no longer being taken place in November, in fact that the company have changed the dates/venue from 12th November 2010 until 15th November 2010 and the venue in Southport.


The e-mail advised that the date and venue has now been changed to 21st January until 24th January 2011 - Butlins - Bognor Regis.


We are unable to attend the new dates in January 2011. We would also have been inconvenience due to the fact would be travelling at further mileage to the new venue.


We have requested a full refund due to the above facts, but the company have advised that we are not give us a full refund, due to they terms and conditions. We have written to the company and contacted Consumer Direct. Consumer Direct have advised us to write a letter to the company quoting Sales of Good Act 1979 and to request a full refund. We have actual followed this guidance and yet to hear from the company.

On another note: I have contacted Butlins – Bognor Regis and advised that the contracts have not been signed between companies as of yet.
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But BCM reunion are not advertising this on their web site, But are on the social network site called Face book.[/FONT]

If anyone can offer any further guidance, it would be appreciated? As anyone actual received a full refund from this company?


Has anyone actually started court proceeding against this company and if so did you win?

Ellie_May_3

I wanted to let this site known, that I have forward this link to the Managing Director of BCM Reunion - TONI HUGHES. (Also on face book) (This person is aware of this site). (People using this site, please be careful, not to use your own names nor give to much information out about your our case). AND THE FAMOUS 'WATCH DOG'.


I thought it was only fair and maybe actually be able to deal with our problems. If we all stand up to scamming toss potts (AKA like this company)– I really do think we on to a wining case and get them out of business completely.

Therefore GHPE Ltd - BCM UK Reunion (scam) (and the other name your calling your self) Stopping scamming people and give the money owned back to the all the individuals concerned, due to your company incompetent.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOU COMPANY IS BEING MONITORED FROM ALL ANGLES, DUE TO THIS SITE/WEBSITE/ AND OTHERS CONCERNED COMPANIES, OTHER CONTACTS AND YOUR UNHELPFUL STAFF AND EX STAFF.

WITH PLEASURE – ELLIE MAY x