Claiming money back on convention tickets

pulliptears

Search Facebook for the group 'REFUNDS Rogue events/Insurgence 9'

Whilst we don't think anyone will get a refund at this point it is useful for information. Many of us have filed fraud claims with action fraud as the site continued to sell after the date they supposedly ceased trading.
There was also some dodgy director changing behind the scenes just before they went.
Knowing they were going to fold they advertised tickets for Asylum 19 (Next years supernatural con) saying that this year was going to be smaller and a lot less tickets on sale. Obviously they then took a lot more money. They even advertised a guest, a very angry guest who has stated on Twitter

"No apology for using MY name and goodwill to solicit fans for a convention you had no hope of staging?"

Not sure if you have added yourself to the spreadsheet yet, but you'll find it on that group. Owed amount as of this moment is £186,494

As for the comment above about bank transfer, Rogue were a well established UK Convention company that have run many events over many years. There has been 18 Supernatural conventions for example.
This was a company who year after year people dealt with. Bank transfer wasn't ideal, I think everyone realises that, but after attending so many people felt secure.

The whole thing stinks of reaping as much cash as they could before they went.

ssparks2003

If you get anything back you will be doing well, expect pennies in the pound if you are lucky.

angryparcel

George_Michael wrote: »

I doubt very much if the accountant would be willing to give out any information about one of their clients to a third party as in all likelihood they would be bound by the Data protection act.

I fully agree that the company owe a full refund but if they don't actually have any assets and as it's is a limited company, getting that refund will be next to impossible.

But they should tell you if they company is being wound as they are the legal point of contact for the company ( which is all the OP needs to know) as if he says it is not being wound up then no matter what they say on their website the company is still active and liable to refund everyone.

angryparcel

this is the state of their finances

https://companycheck.co.uk/company/06805484/WCM--EVENTS-LIMITED/financials

IAmWales

angryparcel wrote: »

this is the state of their finances

https://companycheck.co.uk/company/06805484/WCM--EVENTS-LIMITED/financials

That information is 18 months old.

angryparcel

IAmWales wrote: »

That information is 18 months old.

info from their last accounts, still best for the OP to contact that accountant to find out if they are dissolving or not.
companies house still shows them active and if they had started the process through CH it would have shown as (proposed to strike off)

pulliptears

Small update on where we are. One of the ladies in the group posted this, I'm sure she won't mind me sharing it.

Ok so I have some answers from someone high up in the official receivers office (director level).
Basically WCM events/ Rogue Events have ceased trading (which we all know and is what their statement says) but they don't actually have to do anything else about it. They don't have to go into voluntary liquidation and are actually unlikely to as it will cost them £4-6k. If customs and revenue decide they want to petition for liquidation if they're owed money in taxes they might petition for liquidation but doubtful as WCM/Rogue have no assets so pointless in pursuing it. They potentially would consider going after individual directors for any tax owing.However it would look more favourable for WCM/rogue if they chose to go down the voluntary route as it would reduce the risks of them being accused of fraudulent activities/misconduct.
But ultimately WCM/Rogue don't legally have to do anything and nothing will happen automatically. If nothing is ever done, eventually the company will just be struck off. Liquidation of a company is only instigated by the company itself or by one of its creditors (someone it owes money to) but there are costs involved.
For any creditor wishing to force the company into liquidation they have to pay £1600 for the petition and £280 for the court hearing. Then and only then will there be someone in office to complain about any misconduct for them to investigate.

So the best thing for us to do at this moment is:
a) write to WCM's accountants (address available on companies' house website or I have attached copy in comments below) and ask what is going on.
Eg 'I understand you act as accountants for WCM Events Ltd. I am owed money by the company and would like to know what the current legal and financial situation is with regards to its affairs'
Hopefully at least one of us will get an answer if a few of us write in (and we have over 1000 members now so please get writing!)
If you would like any clarification about these matters then please contact the Insolvency service Helpline on 0300 678 0015.

C/O BBK Accountants Ltd
4a Roman Road
East Ham
London
E6 3RX