Farepak in administration: What to do? (Merged Thread)

freedoms_2

Words (temporaily) fail me: This is an unexpected response.
Whilst agreeing with the words of caution, it should be noticed that the whole Farepak scandal is not exactly free of fraud, and HFH seem to be a fraudulent company overall, but's that's the point.
I am not asking people to access any details, just to see if the login works.
The official FP site login has been disabled, so login details should no longer be of use to anyone else.

You can check that the site name is official by using the Nominet whois domain name lookup service at:
http://www.nic.uk/other/whois/

MrsTinks

soolin wrote:

Can I warn people please not to follow links and log in unless you know exactly where that link is taking you. Whilst this new user might be completely genuine and just another person affected by this horrible mess, it is a known phishing scam to ask for log ins throught a fake website.

Just be careful please, the post has been reported to the mod team for advice.

Soo

The website in question is genuine and is registered to the following:

Domain name:
homefarmhampers.co.uk

Registrant:
Farepak Mail Order ltd.

Trading as:
Mr Sebastian Gibbs

Registrant type:
Not supplied

Registrant's address:
Farepak House
Westmead Drive
Westlea
Swindon

Edited to add this is the same address as https://www.farepak.co.uk is registered to.

Tine

mary59

rachee wrote:

Hi colin147

That is great:j :T . I hope I am successful with my claim through chargeback Barclays

I have successfuly had a chargeback claim from Barclays for my payments made by Visa Debit card.
They were a bit slow in the beginning but I kept on ringing them and just checked my account to find that the money has been refunded in full (nearly £5,000)

If anyone else has paid by visa debit card, don't give up keep on to your bank.

TOBRUK

The website in question is genuine and is registered to the following:

Domain name:
homefarmhampers.co.uk

Registrant:
Farepak Mail Order ltd.

A little puzzled by this - Homefarmhampers are not the same company as farepak! I am expecting vouchers any day now from Homefarm hampers.

emilyj

Home Farm Hampers was part owned by Farepak, who did all the packing etc, and part owned by Findel, who did the marketing. Findel bought the part of Home Farm Hampers they did not own from the Administrators when Farepak failed.

alwaysbusyMUM

K9cuddles wrote:

Can/Has anyone claimed back money via direct debit?

Hi, just an update on the question above, I got in touch with the company the regulates direct debits - see their reply below.

Not much help I'm afraid.

The Direct Debit Guarantee is provided to safeguard Payers should an error be made either by the organisation or by the Payer's bank / building society. It does not cover in the event that the organisation goes into liquidation / administration.




Kind Regards,



______________________________________________________



Alistair Biggs

loadsacash

I heard on the radio that Edinburgh City council were offering advice for local people affected by Farepack.

They are setting up special surgeries in the Edinbugh area to give legal advice and support.

TBeckett100

i cant believe people spend thousands through these hamper companies. surely you get ripped off paying the agent , their commission and company profits. a bit like provident for food and vouchers?

ashley0611

TBeckett100 wrote:

i cant believe people spend thousands through these hamper companies. surely you get ripped off paying the agent , their commission and company profits. a bit like provident for food and vouchers?

That post isnt exactly helpful to those affected. Also most people used it for vouchers and in that case what you pay is what you get back.

emilyj

TBeckett100 wrote:

i cant believe people spend thousands through these hamper companies. surely you get ripped off paying the agent , their commission and company profits. a bit like provident for food and vouchers?

I have the greatest admiration for people who try to be responsible for their Christmas spending by saving up for it, rather than going in to debt and paying all the next year.

If you go to http://www.unfairpak.co.uk/forum you will see that 85% of Farepak's customers went for Vouchers, not goods, so got back all the money they put in.

Farepak SHOULD have made its profit and paid its agents from the margin on buying the vouchers in bulk.

The biggest reason people gave for using Farepak was that it ensured they did not touch the money throughout the year, and that it was there when they needed it.

These are not thoughtless or stupid people -they are careful and responsible.

The one terrific lesson that I have learnt from all this, that Martin has pointed out, and that I hope everyone will take note of, is to use a Credit card or Visa debit card, not a Switch card, for as many payments as possible - even ones which seem to be totally safe, as Farepak payments seemed at the time.

It is terrific to see thousands of people getting their money back through their Visa cards. And heartbreaking to see so many who did not pay this way.