Scammed? Need to cancel travel package paid for off site

bris

Sorry but flights weren't mentioned, he didn't read what he was signing, he only has himself to blame.


There are many similar threads, all because they didn't read what they were signing.


It may have been a fair assumption but 3 nights B&B and a show was mentioned and 3 nights B&B and a show is what he got.

paula.paula13

Just to be clear, he did read what he was signing. He was handed the pad and he read it then paid. The A4 pad did not state all the package contents, he was told full details would come in the post. The paperwork just says "New York Christmas getaway." There wasn't much to read or check, it's a standard form with little info.

There were T&C's hidden that he could not have seen at the time, but they didn't say what the package contained either.

Manxman_in_exile

Does the information you've received specify what has been bought? eg name of hotel and location; what show tickets you have?


If so, it may be worth carrying out some research on Tripadvisor etc and considering whether as Aylesbury suggests you might be best to consider getting there anyway...or maybe not...


Apart from that, does this sort of auction require some sort of licensee or sponsor? I would have thought there must be some sort of regulation of this sort of event. Although I wouldn't be surprised if there was no such requirement.


Also, was it a bona fide auction for a bone fide charity? I'd be complaining to the charity about the conduct of the auction and suggesting that such events could have the unfortunate consequence for them of putting off potential future donors (such as yourselves). It won't get you anywhere but it might put them off being associated with such fundraising in future.

Aylesbury_Duck

paula.paula13 wrote: »

Just to be clear, he did read what he was signing. He was handed the pad and he read it then paid. The A4 pad did not state all the package contents, he was told full details would come in the post. The paperwork just says "New York Christmas getaway." There wasn't much to read or check, it's a standard form with little info.

There were T&C's hidden that he could not have seen at the time, but they didn't say what the package contained either.

Why did he not wait until full details arrived in the post before paying, then? He could have put something like £50 down as a good faith deposit, for example, with the balance paid upon receipt of full details and tickets. Anyway, he didn't, so that's that.

I'm not sure what else anyone can advise, really? With the information we have, it looks like he's made a reckless purchase and that the company haven't broken any laws. Your best bet is to test that by writing to them and taking them to court if you believe their methods to be deceptive. FWIW I think they are on the verge of misleading but whether a court would agree is another matter.

Was it a corporate event? Is there any chance of negative publicity for your husband or his company/employer if you take action, e.g. "Local businessman sues charity after buyer's remorse."? Something to consider when deciding your next steps.

hollydays

https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/events-and-community/auctions/

It's important that potential bidders on the lots have clear and accurate information on the items so they know what is on offer and can make an informed decision. You can give people an opportunity to inspect the lots prior to the auction starting and have information available in a printed brochure or on tablets.

paula.paula13

There was no option to just pay a deposit. There was no conversation at the table, the woman just debited the full amount from his card. It was very noisy.

It was a corporate event but there would be no issue re us going to small claims. My husband was there as a guest from another company.

The charity is a well known local one, he never suspected there would be any problem. He thought these were genuine donated auction prizes and he was paying the charity. It's only later we found it's a company that specialises in running charity auctions as a way of selling their products.

We'll let the charity know what's happened.

hollydays

One of the charity fundraisers in currently being investigated, I can't seem to add the link

hollydays

Google:

"Regulator probes charitable foundation set up by businessman | Third Sector"


Not sure if anyone else can add the link

hollydays

The Charity Commission is to look into potential conflicts of interest at a charitable foundation set up by the businessman Jeremy Middleton.

The Middleton Foundation was founded in 2016 by Middleton, co-founder of the emergency repairs company Homeserve, and his wife Catherine.

Manxman_in_exile

paula.paula13 wrote: »

There was no option to just pay a deposit. There was no conversation at the table, the woman just debited the full amount from his card. It was very noisy.

It was a corporate event but there would be no issue re us going to small claims. My husband was there as a guest from another company.

The charity is a well known local one, he never suspected there would be any problem. He thought these were genuine donated auction prizes and he was paying the charity. It's only later we found it's a company that specialises in running charity auctions as a way of selling their products.

We'll let the charity know what's happened.

Depending on how "important" the commercial and personal relationships are between the hosting company and your husband's company, I'd be complaining to the host company too (or whoever invited your husband as a guest). I'm assuming the host company/whoever invited your husband wasn't the same company as were auctioning their own products?


Sounds like a disgraceful (if not necessarily illegal) practice to me.