When do I stop trying to pay someone?

rhioplepog

2 months ago we had an architect draw up some plans for our extension. All together the bill came to £900. 

Since the work was finished the architect emailed an invoice via some sort of software that needed paying online. My best friend was the victim of a scam via a similar thing so my husband emailed the architect to ask for bank details instead and he did not respond. He has not responded to any further emails or calls. The invoice has now expired. 

How much do we need to pursue this to make best endeavours to pay? Is there a limit on how long we have to try to contact this man before we can safely say we did our best? 

Any help would be greatly appreciated 

GrumpyDil

He has 6 years to chase you for payment.

Do you not have a phone number to contact him on as that would surely be easiest.

Edited as missed point about not returning calls. Same principal applies that he has 6 years in law to chase for an unpaid debt. Other option would surely be cheque and post 

Caz3121

I would expect them to contact you when the invoice is flagged as unpaid and overdue

MovingForwards

Write a letter asking for bank details and keep a copy, obtain proof of posting. Keep the £900 in an interest paying account for 6 years from the date of the invoice and if you don't hear from them after that date you keep your money.

Alternatively, as you must know where they work from, send a letter and cheque, keep a copy / photo of both, obtain proof of posting and print / save your statement when it's cashed.

user1977

rhioplepog said:

some sort of software that needed paying online. My best friend was the victim of a scam via a similar thing 

Does this "thing" have a name?

Diamandis

Did the original contract have details of how payment was to be made?  What would make you think that a request for payment from someone youre doing business with for the agreed amount would result in a scam?

Laz123

Diamandis said:

Did the original contract have details of how payment was to be made?  What would make you think that a request for payment from someone youre doing business with for the agreed amount would result in a scam?

Because there's been many cases of fraud committed this way when the criminals get details of work done then send for payment. You've never heard of this?/ Wow?

Keep_pedalling

So what makes you think doing a bank transfer is any more secure? People have be scammed into sending house deposits to scammers because they have had a spoofed email from their solicitor with a scammers account replacing the real one. 

Many companies use third parties such as Worldpay to handle payments.

neilmcl

user1977 said:

rhioplepog said:

some sort of software that needed paying online. My best friend was the victim of a scam via a similar thing 

Does this "thing" have a name?

I'd imagine it's some accounting software they're using Sage or Xero. My accountant has started to use the latter to send me invoices and request payment which I ignore and just transfer via Bank transfer, as I've always done.

jon81uk

How will you know the bank details are correct? If you are concerned an email has been intercepted and an unscrupulous link inserted the same could happen with bank details.

Phoning and checking is the right thing to do whether it is bank details or an invoice payment link, but if they aren't answering then you'll have to wait, or as suggested put a cheque in the post.

When buying a house my solicitor sent bank details in the post on letter headed paper but that included a note to phone and double check them before making any payments. Don't assume they are any more correct than the link is.