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Ripped off - what can I do (if anything)?
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OK, I think my man in Wallingford is him. I have a name and address. Do I just ask my son to front up to the counter at the local police station or can it be done on the phone (101)?
I would phone up the local Wallingford station and speak to someone to see what they say.
Are there likely to be LOTS of people with the same name?
The bank sort code CAN be a red herring, as some people (like ME!) have lived all over the UK, so my bank sort code would tell you I live in Durham, when I live in Oxfordshire.
People who went to Uni often relocate but keep their student bank account...
But then again, lots of other people stay in the same area...
Still worth talking to the police, as if there is any chance it's this person, then it's a gamble worth taking!Should've = Should HAVE (not 'of')
Would've = Would HAVE (not 'of')
No, I am not perfect, but yes I do judge people on their use of basic English language. If you didn't know the above, then learn it! (If English is your second language, then you are forgiven!)0 -
There are only about half a dozen people with the same name (particular spelling) of the right age in the UK. On his Facebook page I can see he belongs to a group based in Wallingford. The chances of a bloke with the exact name living in a village where the sort code puts his bank and his Facebook says he plays Sunday football must be vanishingly small.
My son is going to use another Facebook profile to send him a message saying he has 48 hours to refund the money and then he is going to the police with the information he has."If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." -- Red Adair0 -
Oh and Google tells me the man with the name in the village was up before the local beak in 2009 for theft of alcohol from a petrol station shop."If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." -- Red Adair0
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Finally made it to our local police station with print outs of the Facebook page and messages sent/received and the address and photo of the bloke.
My son was asked if he had any proof that a crime had been committed. Yes, really.
My son had already sent a message to the thief using another Facebook account giving him 48 hours to refund the money or he would be going to the police and the guy blocked him without replying. I think I know why he's so blas! now. There seems to be no comeback for him at all. I asked the WPC what was to stop me taking money off unsuspecting people online and she said 'If they are stupid enough to send you money...'
She did give my son a leaflet about something called Action Fraud where you can report online crime but they specifically state that they won't help victims get their money back.
Anyone have any ideas where we can go from here?"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." -- Red Adair0 -
Oh and the WPC said 'How do you know that's his picture? It could be anyone'."If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." -- Red Adair0
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Quick Google search turned up this http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud0
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Sounds typical, police fobbing victims off to keep statistics down.
They can make a request for the address to the bank using the account number and sort code. They more than anything want to clam it's a civil matter.
Maybe be a bit more demanding in your endeavour with the police.
Although I'm more inclined to agree with an other poster, visit him. Use a fake Facebook account to try get his correct address. Entrapment, frankly who gives a poop. It's not like you can rely on the law. Even if they did do something he'll probably get a £50 fine and £14 court costs for his £100 fraud or some rubbish!0 -
Actually, confirmation that the address I have is correct and a phone number would be really helpful. I would call his mother and ask for her help. She may not know what her son is up to.
I found the whole police station visit quite frustrating. Aside from anything else you have to state your business in the lobby while everyone else waiting can hear your conversation with the officer.
We were given an Action Fraud leaflet but I don't know what that would solve aside from adding to their database. The leaflet specifically says they won't help you get your money back."If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." -- Red Adair0 -
Is there any proof that a crime has been commited?0
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We were given an Action Fraud leaflet but I don't know what that would solve aside from adding to their database. The leaflet specifically says they won't help you get your money back.
Action fraud is the way fraud is reported these days. Even if the officer sat down with you and did it for you, it would only be inputting the details that you could have done yourself.
If actionfraud get anywhere and secure any sort of conviction then you can take civil action to get your money back.0
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