BEWARE! Automart Online

Baldy

Update...

Just had a conversation with the MD, Stuart Holt. He had been on this forum and guessed who I was so decided to ring me and instantly accuse me of slander (for his infomation, if what I said was wrong, it would actually be libel).

He did, to his credit, try and explain (or is that convince?) that they had explained who they were and that they had listened to the conversation and that they do explain who they are. However he did spoil it some what by admitting he had not personally listened to the conversation and that the gentlemen I spoke to knew it was me without having to give him any details because "he recognised my voice" - even though I had never spoken to him before!!!

However what totally did it was when after letting him have his say, he does like to talk, I then tried to have yet another go to explain my side and explain that the people who work for him mis-represent and allow people to be mis-led (rightly or wrongly), he said "I am bored of this conversation" and put the phone down!!!

It was nice of him to ring it's just a shame it was instantly aggressive and one-sided.

I'm guessing from the conversation and verbal assault that I am not getting a refund? Especially as they have not replied to my email. So it looks like I will have to peruse this further with trading standards and citizens advice and put in an official complaint - along with all the others going by what she said earlier!

For your information if you do a search for his company on companies house website (don't worry it's free) it make interesting reading! Their company number is on their website under terms and conditions (right at the bottom)

Just out of interest did anyone else get a phone call or am I special?

josie

Baldy wrote: »

Just out of interest did anyone else get a phone call or am I special?

Sounds like you're special, mate!

SomeBozo

Hi all

Read this thread with interest.

Can I suggest 2 things happen?

All of those who feel conned by this company should :

a) Contact Martin in a group email and explain what has happened. Martins email newsletter is sent to a lot of people and it might warn others.
b) Contact Watchdog on the BBC. Again using a group email. I know watchdog is banded around a lot, but this is just the type of story they like.

Unfortunatly complaints are sometimes ignored so they only way to hit some people is in their pockets!

Thanks all

Some Bozo

Baldy

Like someone said earlier it has gone beyond getting my money back - even though I will still pursue a refund or chargeback until I am dead - it's a matter of taking these people down so they don't do it to anyone else.

I run a pretty successful business and because of this from time to time come across people using our corp ID to try and sell their own products. Not just using using our company name, logos etc. but people, just recently actually, selling stuff using our company name backwards and similar colours (we won the case BTW). People think that as long as you don't say you are them then it's ok. However it just doesn't work like that! Misrepresentation and to deliberately and knowingly allow a customer to continue thinking you are someone you are not is a huge legal issue and has so many legal connotations

I bet these guys drink Horlicks

Yeah, I thought about Watchdog too. I hate the prgramme personally, but might contact them anyway as they do like stories like these!

Baldy

Here is the watchdog website where you can put your case. I have, so should you!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/contact_publications.shtml

I have also spoken to our company solicitor this afternoon regarding Mr Holts slander/libel accusation (amongst other things regarding this) and he has confirmed that as long as what you say is factually correct to the best of your knowledge, you have no problems putting anything on this forum. So, if like me, he contacts you being agressive and trying to scare you, tell him where to go!!!

josie

Baldy wrote: »

I run a pretty successful business and because of this from time to time come across people using our corp ID to try and sell their own products. Not just using using our company name, logos etc. but people, just recently actually, selling stuff using our company name backwards and similar colours (we won the case BTW).

Yeah, I thought about Watchdog too. I hate the prgramme personally, but might contact them anyway as they do like stories like these!

Yes, interesting what you say about similar colours too - look at the Automart Online website and see how similar it is to the real Auto Trader, red, white and blue.

diddi_2

PS. He is a bully and he thinks that if he theatens and abuses people they won't do anything about it. Basically he thinks he's untouchable! So if enough people stand up to him and complain about this, he will eventually be knocked off his high horse, so to speak.
So come on people... Keep your chins up and screw him over like he has done to you!!!
Good luck!!!

natpenelope

Hello all,

I have joined Martins Money matters to get advice on making a small claim as I too have been conned by this company. They pretended to be Autotrader and tricked me into paying a one-off-fee of £69.00 which would keep my car in the Autotrader until it was sold.

When Autotrader telephoned me to readvertise, I was shocked and have been sending letters backwards and forwards to try and get my money back.

I am still awaiting an outcome but it is not looking good, however this morning I have been contacted by Blackpool Trading standards (01253-478376). They have been given my name as my partner spoke to them a few weeks ago and they are now investigating the company. Get in contact and state your issues as together we maybe able to prevent other people from experiencing the same problem. Who knows we may get our cash back! Keep your fingers crossed.

frs147

I have just taken automartonline to court and won!!!
I went through the small claims track and it was surprisingly easy. I was awarded costs and all my money back. The judge deemed that what they are doing is wrong.
I would recommend going down this route if you have been scammed by any of these auto companies.

maninthestreet

frs147 wrote: »

I have just taken automartonline to court and won!!!
I went through the small claims track and it was surprisingly easy. I was awarded costs and all my money back. The judge deemed that what they are doing is wrong.
I would recommend going down this route if you have been scammed by any of these auto companies.

Well done! Did Automart contest this case?