Does my bank protect me ?

anuksultra

I'm sorry but I'm unsure if I have posted this in the right category . I have a lloyds tsb current account . I have started a website that is a hobby but seems to of taken off and users requested a market place due to upcoming eBay changes . I found a programmer through some forums that does php pro bid and he has worked with me at first charging per job to create and skin my own auction site with that software but install mods and make it mine . I paid him for a months work as I explained money was tight until we went live and we agreed a monthly amount each month to do the work needed. I paid him by bank transfer from my lloyds tsb on the 3rd of this month . The programmer has tonight decided he can't do the work and I'm left in a mess . I'd paid him for a month (he hasn't worked most of last week as his net was down), I have half finished software and no idea how to navigate or work on it myself as I'm not a programmer . I only have Skype agreement of work to be done for a month for the sent amount and he hasn't done the work . Am I protected in any way to get my money back ? I now have to find someone willing to trust me to work for free until I can launch live or on a low budget and sort this mess out and I was so close to going live if I loose this cash aswell with the work not finished I am in a bigger mess .

ChiefGrasscutter

No.
This is a straightforward commercial/business contract between you and your supplier.
It is not a consumer related transaction. Nor has your account has been fraudalently used/hacked by unknown others to transfer money somewhere without your permssion.

The only claim you have is off your supplier - the programmer.

Hominu

So this 'programmer' has thrown something together, given the excuse he can't work due to net problems and has now withdrawn completely.

The bank isn't going to help you as you not dealing with a company but an individual by the sounds of it.

Have you asked him to pay you back for the work not done?

I assume you have his full name, address, and statement of work required ? If he refuses to pay, you can sue him through small claims court. Might get you something back, although evidence of contract might be hard to prove.

gb12345

Hominu wrote: »

I assume you have his full name, address, and statement of work required ? If he refuses to pay, you can sue him through small claims court. Might get you something back, although evidence of contract might be hard to prove.

Given the way the OP appears to have contacted the programmer, it is very unlikely that he has any physical details for him except the bank details.

It is also possible that the programmer may not even be in the UK.

meer53

Paying by bank transfer is the equivalent of paying in cash so your bank cannot help you in any way i'm afraid.

maninthestreet

Is the programmer based in the UK or somewhere else?