Think I've been scammed by a driving instructor

ryemck93

Hi all

I have passed my theory quickly and now gone for a quick pass course. My dad has been diagnosed with cancer and he DESPERATELY needs someone to drive him to places as he has arthritis/fibromyalgia and has been scammed with a broken mobility scooter.

So I contacted an instructor agency who have charged £925 in order to book a practical test for the 26th of Feb and do 35 hours of lessons inbetween.

I paid a £225 deposit on the 21st of January. Then the instructor contacted me and arranged for first lesson on the 29th. Got to the day and I was told I had to pay the £700 in cash which I didn't have so we rescheduled for the 3rd of Feb.

Gets to the 3rd of Feb and he replies swiftly when we're talking about payment, he wants in cash but finally accepts the £700 via bank transfer. Then the communication goes no where.

Lesson was booked for 2.15pm but it gets to 2.30pm and he's not here so I call and no answer. Then he texts saying bad traffic he's going to be late. At 2.50pm I call him and he still says the traffic is bad (no background noise at all tho) but I have plans for 5pm so I have to cancel the lesson and he's promptly accepts with no issue. Tells me he'll reschedule when he gets home.

Today is the 4th and I've been trying to contact him all day but I've had 2 replies, one asking when I'm free (I've told him 3 or 4 times I'm free any time/day as I work from home self employed) and the other saying he'll ring me later.

I've spoke to my bank and they said it's a weird as they never get requests of instructor refunds but to give him another try for the first lesson.

I am extremely stressed about all this, no one in my family drives and I'm constantly looking after my dad. So worried all day I can't work or enjoy time with my son thinking I'm out £700 and won't be able to drive my dad anywhere during his last few months

Any ideas what I should do?

If it turns out to be a full on scam, what are the chances of me getting my money back?

waamo

How did you find this instructor as in which agency?

ryemck93

instantpass

That's the website I got the course on (cant post link due to being a new member). I know the deposit is non-refundable so I can't get that back but the £700 I should be able to...I hope

waamo

These guys https://www.instantpass.co.uk/

Have you tried contacting the agency?

Comms69

https://www.instantpass.co.uk/terms.html


It says clearly the money is due to be paid in cash on day 1. -it's not even hidden, it's the forth paragraph down and the first two are clarifying points about terminology.

BigBadDomski

I doubt he can use his phone while he's instructing.

ryemck93

Comms69 wrote: »

It says clearly the money is due to be paid in cash on day 1. -it's not even hidden, it's the forth paragraph down and the first two are clarifying points about terminology.

Yep well I was told over the phone but I spoke over it (I have the calls recorded) so that's how I missed it. I have no problem paying full I just want the lessons :S

BigBadDomski wrote: »

I doubt he can use his phone while he's instructing.

Truee but SOME communication would be fine, I just hate sitting here worrying, not knowing if I'm getting my lessons or not. He's said he'll ring me later which is fine but I am worrying I won't hear anything until I text him tomorrow morning. If he does ring me later and sort a new date I'll be completely happy!

ryemck93

waamo wrote: »

These guys

Have you tried contacting the agency?

Not yet, I am waiting to give the instructor another chance as us having to cancel the last lesson could be legit. I didn't think the agency could do anything though?

And yep those guys!

waamo

ryemck93 wrote: »

Not yet, I am waiting to give the instructor another chance as us having to cancel the last lesson could be legit. I didn't think the agency could do anything though?

And yep those guys!

The agency might be able to get hold of him and find out what is happening.