Help! Afraid Ive been scammed! Dont know what to do?

PrettyMiffed

Hello all.
I consider myself pretty savvy with the web but I'm 99% certain I've made a serious error of judgement in buying an expensive item from a website.

Of course I'll take the relevant courses of action myself if needed but I was hoping somebody here who knows a thing or two more than me would have a look and either confirm my suspicions or, hopefully, help put my mind at rest.

I bought a hot tub 10 weeks ago from a company called Red Saunas Ltd. Great price, listed as in stock, professional looking website, credit card verification etc. (I did do a bit of homework before choosing.)

I have had no contact or anything in the period since even though I have left several answer messages (very hard to get hold of them) explaining I assumed I would have my hot tub by now and would appreciate a chat with someone.

Yesterday I received a call back from Red Saunas. Apparently the hot tub isn't in stock, never has been in stock and wont be in stock for around another 12 weeks. Of course this isn't good enough and I have demanded my money back but the call, strangely/coincidentally/annoyingly ended there and then and I haven't been able to contact since.

Alarm bells are ringing VERY LOUD and I'm more than worried I have just lost a lot of money.

I need help if possible.
I need to know if I can report such as thing. They advertise on Google so do I go to Google? What can someone do? ANY advice at all will be hugely appreciated.

Thanks in advance

pmduk

Contact your bank, raise an issue of non-delivery, then stop panicking, you mention paying by credit card, so the card company is equally liable, even if you'd paid by debit card, most companies will attempt a chargeback to retrieve your funds.

PrettyMiffed

Feel completely stupid and angry! Angry at myself more than anything.
I'll do that but it feels like admitting Ive been done. Was really hoping this would turn out good in the end.

Should I report this or do I just walk away?
I feel like something should be done. Nobody should have to feel the way I'm feeling right now. Absolutely shocking. I'm still hoping it might just be a bad order, really don't want to think this is a con. I'm even feeling like I shouldn't use Google anymore.

PrettyMiffed

This is interesting.
Searching on Google for Red Saunas Ltd I have found a thread on Money Saving Expert. Its about the same company using a different name - conning people.

I'm not allowed to post a link but the thread number seems to be 52460617 (If that makes any sense)

Are these companies able to just keep ripping genuine customers off simply by using different company names. I'm really losing faith in using the internet for shopping.

DCFC79

PrettyMiffed wrote: »

Feel completely stupid and angry! Angry at myself more than anything.
I'll do that but it feels like admitting Ive been done. Was really hoping this would turn out good in the end.

Should I report this or do I just walk away?
I feel like something should be done. Nobody should have to feel the way I'm feeling right now. Absolutely shocking. I'm still hoping it might just be a bad order, really don't want to think this is a con. I'm even feeling like I shouldn't use Google anymore.

Report it to the bank as pmduk says, always go to you bank in instances like this, dont go to google as they wont do anything.

Report it to who ?

Do as pmduk says, you have stated the name on here so the names out there if peole search the internet.

Yes you should continue using google.

PrettyMiffed

Thank you for the replys.

DCFC79 wrote: »

Report it to who ?

This is scary. I understand what you are saying as I dont know where to go but is it really the case that someone can advertise on google in the sponsored links, completely con people and that's it, nothing can be done? Are Googe are not interested that they are promoting a scam company?

DCFC79

PrettyMiffed wrote: »

Thank you for the replys.



This is scary. I understand what you are saying as I dont know where to go but is it really the case that someone can advertise on google in the sponsored links, completely con people and that's it, nothing can be done? Are Googe are not interested that they are promoting a scam company?

Well its up to the consumer to check a website out, check for any reviews etc.

Im not saying its right though.

Is this the thread you mentioned, red saunas are mentioned along with mansiontvs.

RockPaperScissors

Hmmmm..

The site doesn't look great. It only has two links coming in to it and those were paid for listings on a buisness directory site.

The who.is registration is here http://who.is/whois/redsaunas.co.uk

It at least lists contact details for the domain registrar if you want them ;-)

It's possible of course that it's just a rubbish site and not dodgy at all, but in any case just do as the others have suggested and get in touch with your bank first and foremost.

k3lvc

DCFC79 wrote: »

Is this the thread you mentioned, red saunas are mentioned along with mansiontvs.

Shhhh - don't mention mansiontvs again :eek:

PrettyMiffed

Yes that's the thread thank you for posting the link.

I did check for reviews for red saunas but didn't see that. I also checked the bottom of their website and they have a "Safe Buy" link that said they are a genuine company. Just had another look and now the same link says "The site that sent you here is not currently validated."
Ive also found a red saunas review on Youtube that looks OK but the recent comments are pretty much people in the same boat as me.

It's obviously my own fault but I am genuinely shocked that this kind of stuff is allowed to happen and there is nowhere to report it. I guess the lesson learned is not to buy anything substantial on the internet.

Thanks again for the replys.

melodramaticme

You can report this to trading standards. If there is an address on the website (there should be even if it is hidden away somewhere, it is illegal for a business not to give their trading address) report it trading standards in that area. If you cannot find it then report to your local trading standards office.
This though is secondary to speaking to your bank or credit card company, the means by which you paid, in order to get your money back. Website sales are covered by the Distance Selling Regulations which allow you cancel the contract and get your money back. Any purchase over £100.00 paid by credit card is also covered by the responsibilty of the credit card company to refund.