Dodgy Online Companies

BenjaminClarke

My apologies if this is not posted in the right area but I couldn't find any category that my query fits into. 
My issue is surrounding an online company that goes by the name of DirectNine. I ordered from this company in April and my goods never arrived. I have phone them every day but get no answer, just an automated message saying they are busy and to leave a message. I have also tried emailing them numerous times but got no response. 

I checked them out on Trust Pilot and notice that they have terrible reviews and a number of people are complaining about not receiving their goods. So I decided to make a complaint with HMRC but when they asked for the company number I was at a loss as there is nothing for them on Companies House. I then discovered that they are an Indian company pretending to be a UK company. So... what are the next steps that one should take under such circumstances? I can't complain via HMRC as they aren't a British company? Do we as consumers just need to be more aware of these types of rogue companies pretending to me something they are not? They come up as a top search on Google, how is this even allowed? I wonder just how many people have been scammed by this company and how many more will be in the future. 

born_again

How did you pay.

A quick look at their About us page is a big hint.. Nothing about how long trading etc. Also their facebook page just goes to ShopIFY.

Not sure what you think HMRC is going to do? They do not regulate companies.

BenjaminClarke

Sorry, I used the gov.uk website, not HMRC. They have a section there where you can complain about a limited company, but obviously only UK companies so doesn't help me here. 

I used my bank card to pay. 

So there is nothing one can do to complain about a company such as this one? Just avoid such companies in future I guess. To be honest I will probably just use known companies like Amazon etc from now on. This has put me off using smaller companies as they simply may not be who they say they are and I can't be bothered to have to do research on a company before I buy from them. It shouldn't be down to consumers to regulate companies like this. Like I say, I shall just stick to Amazon from now on. Shame. 

eskbanker

BenjaminClarke said:

I can't be bothered to have to do research on a company before I buy from them.

You've hit the nail on the head there - fortunately for you though, if you've paid by Visa or Mastercard debit cards then you have the option of filing a chargeback claim against your bank, for undelivered goods, a handy safety net for those who choose not to look before they leap!

colsten

I am not sure what you are trying to achieve by reporting an Indian company to any UK Government body. But you could look into raising a chargeback claim  to get your money back. Be prepared that this might take a long time because there's this small global issue known as the coronavirus. Which might also be the reason why you can't get any sense out of an Indian company at this point in time. As your posts contains no dates for your orders and / or for your complaints, it's difficult to tell.

kaMelo

BenjaminClarke said:

and I can't be bothered to have to do research on a company before I buy from them. 

Without wishing to be rude, that is exactly the kind of attitude that leaves you wide open for less than honest people/companies to exploit.  
Then when it all goes wrong people whine about getting scammed, how it's not their fault and expect their bank to bail them out. All because they couldn't be bothered.

BenjaminClarke

colsten said:

I am not sure what you are trying to achieve by reporting an Indian company to any UK Government body. But you could look into raising a chargeback claim  to get your money back. Be prepared that this might take a long time because there's this small global issue known as the coronavirus. Which might also be the reason why you can't get any sense out of an Indian company at this point in time. As your posts contains no dates for your orders and / or for your complaints, it's difficult to tell.

Did you read my post? I thought they were a UK company, as that is what they advertise as, until I went to report them and discovered they didn't have any information on Companies House. Please try to keep up. (Not meaning to sound rude). 

I ordered during the Corona Virus but what does that matter? They clearly are not legit as the Trust Pilot reviews go back further than Corona Virus and companies have an obligation to inform customers if they are not operating. Or how would you feel if you ordered a food shop from Tesco and it didn't turn up? When you complained you found out they were closed because of the Corona Virus. I am sure you'd take that lying down... lol.

BenjaminClarke

kaMelo said:

BenjaminClarke said:

and I can't be bothered to have to do research on a company before I buy from them. 

Without wishing to be rude, that is exactly the kind of attitude that leaves you wide open for less than honest people/companies to exploit.  
Then when it all goes wrong people whine about getting scammed, how it's not their fault and expect their bank to bail them out. All because they couldn't be bothered.

Not meaning to sound rude but I couldn't care less what you think about my attitude. I am not asking for anybody else to regulate, I am simply saying that I won't be. Is that OK with you? 

Where have I said I expect my money back? Please point that out! All we have seen thus far is that members of this forum can't actually read and follow simply English. I don't expect my money back, I am asking about how I can complain about such a company? I am asking if there is anything one can do to complain? Please try to keep up... if you don't know the answer then just stay out of it. 

BenjaminClarke

eskbanker said:

BenjaminClarke said:

I can't be bothered to have to do research on a company before I buy from them.

You've hit the nail on the head there - fortunately for you though, if you've paid by Visa or Mastercard debit cards then you have the option of filing a chargeback claim against your bank, for undelivered goods, a handy safety net for those who choose not to look before they leap!

Thank you for your message, I shall look into that, but, as I said before, I am not actually looking for a refund. I bought a catering torch for £80, it's not the money I am worried about (everyone on here clearly very money motivated) I just want to complain to try and get the website removed. It seems there is no way of doing that though unfortunately. 

I have complained to Google but I doubt they will even respond. 

I have since bought a new torch from Amazon and it turned up the very next day. I don't like to just use large multi-national companies but if there is no form of regulation and anybody can set up a website, even in India, pretending to be a UK business and can just get away with it then I feel forced to. For all I know every UK online shop might be fake... I just don't know. 

born_again

BenjaminClarke said:

Where have I said I expect my money back? Please point that out! All we have seen thus far is that members of this forum can't actually read and follow simply English. I don't expect my money back, I am asking about how I can complain about such a company? I am asking if there is anything one can do to complain? Please try to keep up... if you don't know the answer then just stay out of it. 

A bit of advise.
The best way to hit (read complain) about this company. Is to go to your bank and ask for a chargeback for non receipt of goods. That way you get your money back ( I know you did not ask for it, but why should you suffer), the company LOSES it. Hit them where it hurts. In the pocket.
Just do not expect your bank to police the companies. That is not what we are there to do.
Assuming you have a Visa debit (mastercard will work the same) The more people that action chargebacks then the sooner Visa/Mastercard will revoke their right to take payments.

Other option is a log a complaint on Action Fraud website. If enough do it, then action maybe taken. Just do not hold your breath. As we are talking Met police & trading standards....

DCFC79

Nothing wrong with using smaller compnies, just do your research, pay using a credit card if you can.