Anyone used suncar.co.uk for car hire?

Lolly1712

We booked a weeks car hire with sun car for Cyprus, we were told a few days after booking that a error had been made and a refund would be actioned and we should pay locally. We have not had a refund through sun car despite numerous emails, the telephone numbers are not manned, a recorded letter never got delivered as not a genuine address. I have complained to consumer direct, the car hire company that did supply the vehicle as why are they taking bookings from these people? I have written to google and watchdog. Consumer direct advised me to contact my bank and as for a refund through the chargeback facility which they have done.

mickbell

I am in the same boat as many of you. I booked a car through Suncar in June, for pick up 29 Sept in Paphos and paid in full. Last week I too received an email telling me that would have to pay locally and that if I provided my bank details I would have my full payment refunded, I would then pay a deposit and pay the balance on pick-up.
I was not happy to provide bank details and cancelled my booking. Still trying to get a refund, phone constantly engaged and no replies to e-mails.

Max_1066

Its definitely time this company appeared on Watchdog !! Trading standards should be able to shut these companies down and prevent the Directors from setting up elsewhere under a different name. Instead they only issue warnings (if at all). Unfortunately the only option at the moment is via the credit card companies.

timmymc

Hello

Can you explain to me how I can get my bank (First Direct) to do a "chargeback" so that I can get a refund that I'm unlikely to get from Suncar?

Many thanks

Tim

Cheshire_Bowman

I too have been stung, but at least I found out before we arrived at Lisbon airport!!!
Just 18 hours before flying and not having recieved my rental voucher I emailed and called. I spoke to someone on the phone (NOT the freephone number) and was told that they would 'sort it out' and e-mail me within the hour. About 90 minutes later, an e-mail popped up saying that there was no car available. I promptly arranged hire through another company (very satisfactory too - Budget through Argus Car Hire)
On return from holiday, checked statment and found MORE than agreed amount had been taken but it was less than £2 below the £100 section 75 (Consumer Credit Act) lower limit. Several e-mails later extracted an apology of sorts, blaming technical faults and saying the refund would arrive as fast as possible. Three weeks later and several e-mails on, I'm still waiting. Consumer Direct says I should write to them and give them a 'reasonable' time to refund the money (they do not dispute that I am due a refund) but I can't write when there is NO ADDRESS on the web site which is ILLEGAL!!
But here is the really interesting (and frustrating) bit.... I spoke to my credit card provider who say that "so long as Suncar have said that they will refund me, thay won't do anything, because Suncar have not refused , I just have to wait...."
This would seem to indicate that ANY supplier will not need to refund anyone so long as the supplier says they will give back the money !
So much for trusting the banks then! (ooops! suppose it serves me right........)

llewellyncox

hi
had the same prob with suncar took my money then they cancelled
3 days before my trip spoilt my hols. booked in june cancelled on 28 aug. i was going away on 1st sept i still can't get my money back.used visa
but they say it will take up 5 days post. SHOCKIN COMPANY DON'T LET THEM SPOIL YOUR HOLIDAY.... DON'T USE THEM

mickbell

Don't touch SunCar with a bargepole!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They took my money in June via PayPal for a car hire in Cyprus 29 Sept to 6 Oct.
On 21 Sept they e-mailed me to change the payment arrangements.
The new method was to pay a deposit and then pay the balance when I picked the car up. The e-mail also asked me to give Suncar my bank account details and/or PayPal account details to allow them to refund my initial payment in full, prior to taking the deposit.
I wasn't happy with this, so cancelled my booking and was promised a full refund.
No refund has appeared and despite loads of e-mails I have heard nothing from SunCar.
I have spent days trying to get through on the phone, but it is constantly engaged or I simply get cut off.
I cannot find an address anywhere to write to them.
THEY SEEM TO BE A BUNCH OF CON ARTISTS AND I WOULD RATHER HIRE A BIKE OR A DONKEY THAN TRY TO HIRE A CAR THROUGH THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad:

mickbell

CONTACT THE POLICE

Further to my last posting, I have telephoned the Metropolitan Police and reported this company for fraud - I am currently awaiting a crime number from them.
I would suggest that everyone who has been caught out rings the Met. and does the same - this will raise the profile of the scam and the more reports they receive (and the increasing amount of money involved) will increase the possibility of a police investigation being carried out.
The number to ring is:

0300 1231212

If we all do this we might get something done.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:T

LinH

Hi, yes after FIVE MONTHS I have eventually received my money back via my Credit Card Company.
Same story as everyone one this forum. Booked in May for car to be picked up at Alicante in July. A traumatic time for my son and young family who had to pay again in full.
Five months chasing company - HOW ARE THEY STILL TRADING AND WHATS TO STOP THEM FOOLING US ALL AGAIN BY TRADING UNDER ANOTHER NAME. Consumer Direct were unhelpful, Travelsupermarket who I obtained Suncar from don't want to know. I have contacted WATCHDOG but not had an acknowledgement!
Everybody please stop other people being scammed - get in touch with WATCHDOG and as somebody else has said 'Martin are you reading this?

Lin H

mickbell

Hello Lin

See my 1055 post today and call the police - hopefully we might get something done.

Cheers

Mick Bell