I’ve been scammed - help me nail the bastard.

[Thebigblueballoon]

Hello AIBU fans. Shamelessly posting here for traffic.

I work in an interior designs field, and over the part two months ago I have ordered some stock from a person who I previously had a good business relationship with.

He hasn’t delivered the goods. Apparently because he’s had a “family crisis”. It’s been eight weeks. Eight weeks of excuses I have accepted, even when he’s cancelled a delivery on the very same day.

It turns out he’s a massive fraud, and has scammed dozens of people in our industry out of money. There’s somebody in Australia waiting on 15k. Literally thousands of pounds in some cases. Why this hasn’t been documented more online is beyond me, but there you go… now is the time.

I’m taking him to small claims court as soon as possible, I just need to get his address and details, and as much info as possible on this scumbag.
What’s the best way to do this? And how can I flag this arsehole up to everybody in the industry I work in?

🤔

You think only businesses that are a limited company are worth dealing with?

Are you certain you have been dealing with the man you think you are and not a conman who is using his name, contacts and reputation without his knowledge, or even AI with numerous people hiding behind it?

Sadly, I’m certain.

So you have dealt with him face to face, in person?

Why have you waited so long to contact your bank? Also why are you waiting until tomorrow to 'go into a branch' - all very odd, really quite unbelievable.

I have. A couple of times pre-Covid.

I only realised what was happening yesterday. Did me research, have found out a lot since.

I suspect he's a gambler. Totally honest-seeming people can go right off the rails when their gambling debts get out of hand.

Can you set up a new email account and contact him asking to view a piece? Suggest you can pay cash and would he arrange for delivery if you like it. Then he might take the bait and give you a showroom or storage space address you could keep an eye on.

People, please do not post advice on how to track somebody down. A lot of this tale doesn't add up, and you have no way of knowing whether it's true. This could be an abusive ex partner looking for ways to track down somebody.

That was my line of thought also.

@Thebigblueballoon - but it isn't 1975 OP - you don't need to wait until the bank opens..and calling someone a lazy bint...nice

Oh for fuck sake 😂 Where have I asked for any details for anyone? What doesn’t add up, out of interest?

I think it’s more likely to not be him and someone (or a team) working under his name.
Just call your bank, don’t bother going to a branch, they’ll probably direct you online anyway (if you can find a branch with actual humans).
If it is him, I’d assume he’s gambling/owing debts etc. It seems so bizarre that someone with a good reputation would fuck about for short term gains and potentially long term implications to his professional reputation.

You literally asked in your OP what is the best way to find somebody's address.

I could probably do it, but I'm not playing

192.com may find him if you know approximately where he is. Doesn't cost much as I recall. You can search free and pay for detailed records. Best if his name isn't John Smith!

Try 192.com. If he is on the electoral register and you know his name and the area, his details may show up there. If you have the funds, a private investigator might be worth a try.

Oops crosspost with plumtree!

Fair enough. That is not how I meant it. I’m literally looking to find the best way to identify an address for myself and others who have been scammed by this guy. He isn’t on Companies House, nothing online as far as I can see, no response from himself, obviously. This isn’t a duff post.

Is there a trade magazine, a regular event you go to or an auction company. For getting more info and warning others in your field.

Public shaming on social media is the best way to warn others - tik tok or insta would be your best bet. Name and shame and explain why others should be wary - don’t make it too personal, but show why others should avoid him

I’ve no problem with shaming this guy after I’m totally sure. There are already shaming posts out there, but as many previous posters have said, it’s a difficult thing to do.

You've dealt with him legitimately in the past, so presumably you have some records of transactions that give a starting point for confirming his identity, trading style (I'm another one that thinks you're far too blasé about whether or not he ever operated as a limited company), addresses, banking details, etc. If your story is accurate you should have a good starting point already.

Given the difficulties, risks and rules to be followed for exporting and shipping antiques, bric-a-brac and furniture around the world (particularly Australia ffs) it would be very unusual not to operate as a limited company. With £15k here, and thousands there, it's quickly approaching VAT territory - particularly if he's supplying B2B.

He owes you money, so how did you pay him for the goods not delivered?

Thanks for a reasonable response. This person used to have a big unit about an hour away from where I live (I’ve already been in touch with them, but it’s the weekend). I sent money via my bank, which again in dealing with tomorrow.
I don’t think it’s blasé at all. Dozens of people in my field are sole traders. It’s very common.
I don’t owe him money. He owes me money for goods not received.